A 50-year-old Polish man died while harvesting vegetables in Zonnebeke, West Flanders, during a severe heatwave that has been affecting Belgium and other European countries. Despite a swift response from emergency services, the man could not be saved.
The tragedy occurred on Friday at a farm in the region of West Flanders, according to the Belgian news portal HLN. The seasonal worker from Poland lost consciousness while picking zucchini in the fields under extreme heat. The temperatures in Belgium, as in much of Europe, have soared to dangerous levels in recent days, with thermometers reaching 38 degrees Celsius in some areas. The man had been employed as a seasonal harvester, a role common for migrants in the Belgian agricultural sector.
The 50-year-old collapsed and emergency services were called immediately. However, paramedics were unable to revive him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The exact circumstances of his death are now under investigation by the Labour Auditory of Ghent, as the man died while performing his duties. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the direct cause of death, which may be heatstroke or a related complication. The investigation will also examine whether adequate safety measures were in place.
Heatwave and agricultural work
Belgium is grappling with a heatwave that has pushed temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius in many areas. Such conditions pose serious risks for outdoor workers, particularly those engaged in manual labor like harvesting. The incident has drawn attention to the vulnerability of seasonal workers, many of whom come from Poland and other Central European countries to work on Belgian farms. Local authorities have stressed the importance of taking precautions during extreme heat, including frequent breaks, access to water, and shade.
The Labour Inspectorate has temporarily halted all further work in the field where the man died, citing the high temperatures as a precautionary measure. This decision reflects a growing awareness of the dangers of heat stress among agricultural workers. In Spain and Italy earlier this year, several farm workers died in similar conditions, prompting calls for better enforcement of safety rules. The halt will remain in place until the investigation clarifies the cause of death and safety conditions.
Investigation and preventive measures
The Labour Auditory in Ghent has opened a full investigation. Investigators will examine whether the employer complied with Belgian regulations on working in hot weather. These regulations require employers to provide shaded rest areas, cool drinking water, and to schedule heavy work during cooler hours. The farm owner is cooperating with the authorities. The Auditory can impose fines or recommend criminal charges if violations are found.
The Polish community in Belgium has expressed shock and grief. The Polish consulate in Brussels has extended condolences and is providing consular assistance to the family. According to Belgian government data, Polish workers constitute one of the largest groups of seasonal labor in agriculture, particularly in vegetable and fruit harvesting. This incident raises broader questions about the conditions faced by such workers, who often operate in precarious employment with limited protection against extreme weather.
As climate change leads to more frequent and intense heatwaves, the risk to outdoor workers increases. This tragedy in Zonnebeke serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of extreme temperatures and the urgent need for stronger safeguards to protect those who harvest the food we eat.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
