Two workers have died within the space of just a few months at the construction site of BYD’s new factory in Szeged, raising serious concerns over safety standards. While construction is widely regarded as one of the most hazardous industries, professional bodies say two fatalities in such a short period is exceptional, even on a project of this scale.

Construction of the BYD plant began in late 2024, but the site has already been the scene of two fatal accidents. The first occurred in February during a crane and loading operation; later, a Chinese guest worker lost his life after he was struck by a lorry. Police have launched an investigation on suspicion of negligent endangerment resulting in death in the course of employment, according to reporting by Szegeder, cited by Telex.

The second fatality took place in June. The company said the worker had finished his shift and was leaving the site when he tripped and fell beneath a lorry. Police have opened criminal proceedings on suspicion of causing a fatal road accident.

Mayor of Szeged, László Botka, at the construction site. Photo: FB/László Botka

The National Federation of Hungarian Building Contractors (ÉVOSZ) described the occurrence of two fatal incidents in such quick succession as clearly extraordinary. Its president, László Koji, stressed that neither the size nor the complexity of an investment can ever justify serious workplace accidents. While there is no benchmark for what constitutes an “average” number of accidents on a project of this magnitude, he added, the fundamental principle of occupational safety is that no workplace accident should be considered acceptable.

The situation is compounded by a number of additional serious incidents in recent months. In May, a reversing lorry struck a worker, breaking his leg. In late April, three workers were taken to hospital after a vehicle collided with an obstacle, leaving them with head and neck injuries.

New BYD electric buses in Komárom, where a new plant was built. Photo: FB/Szijjártó

BYD said investigations by both the authorities and professional bodies remain ongoing in both fatal cases, aiming to establish whether negligence occurred and where responsibility lies. The company added that all workplace accidents are treated as high-priority events, with internal reviews conducted and preventive measures introduced where necessary.

However, it declined to specify what changes, if any, had been implemented following the two deaths.

By comparison, the construction of BMW’s plant in Debrecen has seen three workplace accidents, none of them fatal. Only one was classified as serious, involving a worker falling from scaffolding.

Mercedes-Benz reported that while accidents did occur during the construction of both its original plant and second facility in Kecskemét, none were fatal. One serious accident was recorded during the 2009–2012 build.

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Audi Hungaria said that since 2012, around 35,000 people have worked on its investment projects, during which five minor, one serious, and three fatal accidents were recorded.

Suzuki stated that over the past 35 years, including the construction and expansion of its Esztergom plant, there have been no fatal or serious workplace accidents.

The article notes that direct comparisons are difficult due to the absence of a unified, publicly accessible database on workplace accidents in Hungary. The figures were therefore obtained directly from companies and the ÉVOSZ.

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