Businessman charged over teenager's death under forklift in Lviv region

Law enforcement agencies in the Lviv region are continuing the investigation into the death of a minor at a warehouse. On 2 November 2026, it was reported that a 46-year-old resident of Lviv, who ran a business in the cargo storage sector, was formally charged. He is accused of organising work involving minors without complying with legislative norms and safety requirements.

Engaging minors in warehouse work

According to investigation data, the suspect managed an enterprise in the Lviv district where goods storage and organisation work was carried out. To perform the tasks, he engaged four individuals, three of whom had not reached adulthood: two boys were 17 years old, and one was 16. They performed the duties of general labourers and loaders.

Investigators established that no employment contracts were concluded between the businessman and the workers, and no employment paperwork was processed. Moreover, the minors were allowed to work in high-risk conditions, being given access to specialised warehouse equipment that requires specific training and strict adherence to safety rules.

Circumstances of the tragedy on 20 December 2024

The fatal accident occurred during work at the warehouse. According to the investigation's version, a 16-year-old teenager was operating a diesel forklift. At that moment, his 17-year-old friend decided to jump onto the equipment's forks. While the vehicle was moving, the young man lost his balance, fell under the wheels, and sustained fatal injuries. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, the victim's life could not be saved.

The investigation covered not only the moment of the fall but also the general organisation of work at the facility: who was responsible for safety, whether the workers had undergone safety briefings, and how the operation of the equipment was specifically organised.

Results of the forensic examination

Within the framework of the criminal proceedings, an expert examination on life safety issues was conducted. The experts' conclusions confirmed the causal link between the employer's violations and the boy's death. It was established that the businessman failed to provide adequate occupational safety training and allowed minors to perform high-risk work.

Additional violations of requirements regarding the registration and operation of specialised equipment were also identified. These factual circumstances became the basis for the formal charging.

Articles of the Criminal Code and potential punishment

The 46-year-old businessman is charged with two crimes:

• Part 2 of Article 172 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — gross violation of labour legislation concerning minors.
• Part 2 of Article 272 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — violation of established safety rules during the performance of high-risk work, if it caused the death of a person or other serious consequences.

For the totality of these offences, the suspect faces a punishment of up to eight years of imprisonment. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. Information on the selection of a preventive measure is currently absent from open sources.