China Delivery Agent, 55, Dies While Resting on Bike After 18-Hour Shifts

A 55-year-old food delivery worker in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, has tragically died while resting on his bike after enduring grueling 18-hour workdays. The incident, reported by the South China Morning Post, occurred earlier this month and has garnered significant attention on Chinese social media platforms.

According to witnesses, the food delivery worker, identified only by his surname Yuan, was at his post from 9 p.m. on September 5. He was discovered at 1 a.m. the following morning by another delivery driver. Yuan, known for his exceptional work ethic and nicknamed "Order King," had built a reputation for his relentless dedication to his job, often working until the early hours of the morning and resuming work shortly after brief naps on his bike.

Yuan typically earned between 500 and 600 yuan ($70 to $85) per day, with his earnings sometimes exceeding 700 yuan on rainy days. Despite his rigorous work schedule, including working through fatigue and taking short naps during shifts, Yuan’s commitment to his job was unwavering. 

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A person close to Yuan revealed that he sometimes worked until 3 a.m. before rising at 6 a.m. to start his next shift. This relentless pace was partly driven by his desire to support his family, including his 16-year-old son who is studying in Hangzhou, and his elder son who is married with children.

A month before his death, Yuan suffered a leg fracture in a traffic accident while delivering an order. He took a 10-day break to recover before returning to work. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated, leading to his death. 

The Xianlin Sub-district Office in Yuhang district issued a statement confirming that Yuan "collapsed and died despite emergency treatment." It added that the food delivery platform, the insurance company, and Yuan's family have reached a settlement, and follow-up arrangements are being handled.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage and discussions about the welfare and legal rights of delivery drivers in China. Social media users have expressed their grief and frustration over the conditions that led to Yuan's death, with comments lamenting the harsh realities faced by workers in the gig economy. One comment read, "Another 'Order King' has fallen. Is there really no way to avoid these tragedies?" while another reflected on Yuan's situation, stating, "He was in his 50s, the sole breadwinner of his family, working day and night. May he rest in peace. I hope in his next life, he will not have to race against time like this."