Drunk Forklift Driver Charged with Manslaughter After Killing Colleague

An indictment has been filed against a 26-year-old Sri Lankan national for allegedly driving a forklift while intoxicated and fatally striking his colleague at a factory in Bu'eine Nujeidat on October 26, 2024. Police were called to the scene where a 38-year-old Sri Lankan worker was pronounced dead. The suspect, who reportedly does not possess a driver's license, was arrested at the scene.

Investigators determined that the suspect was operating the forklift outside of work hours under the influence of alcohol. Despite attempts by bystanders to intervene and warn him, he continued driving and hit his colleague. The suspect's detention has been extended multiple times.

The Northern District Prosecutor's Office, represented by attorney Tal Hazan, has charged the suspect with several offenses, including negligent homicide, reckless driving causing serious injury, and drunk driving.

Superintendent Gal Perkesh, head of the Investigations and Intelligence Department at the Tiberias station, described the scene as "particularly difficult" and emphasized the tragic loss of life. He noted that video footage showed factory workers trying to stop the suspect, who ignored their calls and continued driving, leading to his friend's death. Perkesh highlighted the extreme danger of combining alcohol consumption with operating any vehicle, especially a powerful forklift, which resulted in a fatality.