The sad death of Paulo DeSouza Bezerra, a 50-year-old employee of Amazon, is presently being looked at by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development (MLITSD).
The incident occurred on January 14 during a night shift at the Amazon distribution facility near London, Ontario, when a fire alarm prompted employees to evacuate into freezing temperatures of -20°C due to wind chill.
An Amazon Canada representative mentioned that the fire alarm went off at 11:10 pm, and the facility was evacuated promptly, with clearance for re-entry at 11:27 pm. After returning inside, including the deceased worker, employees spent approximately 45 minutes in the break room to warm up before returning to their workstations.
Shortly thereafter, Bezerra collapsed near a water cooler, and emergency services were immediately summoned. Despite swift efforts, Bezerra died at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital.
Amazon denies allegations that employees were not allowed to sit in their vehicles to warm up during the evacuation. The company suggests that a site leader may have been ensuring accountability, distributing warming kits, or giving the all-clear signal.
Ongoing Investigation for Amazon Worker’s Death
The 25-year marriage to Sheilla Maria Vitorino Albuquerque and their son Logan Vitorino Bezerra are the only things that Brazilian-born Bezerra left behind.
A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to support the family with expenses, expressing deep sympathy and emphasizing the community’s shock at the loss of a beloved individual known for his pure joy and sense of humor.
Described as a family that fought together to realize their dreams, the GoFundMe has already raised $19,616 of the $25,000 goal, highlighting the community’s solidarity.
The family faces not only the emotional trauma but also financial challenges, as Sheilla is on maternity leave with a small child and bills to pay. The funds will aid in covering funeral costs and provide support during the initial months without Bezerra’s crucial assistance.
While the MLITSD’s investigation is ongoing, details are limited, and a representative mentioned their inability to provide further information at this time. The tragic incident has raised concerns about workplace safety, prompting a comprehensive examination into the circumstances surrounding Bezerra’s untimely death.
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