China delivery rider collapses, dies on bike after working 18-hour days, leaves family in hardship
He would sometimes work until 3am then wake at 6am to start work again after napping on bike
The tragic death of a 55-year-old Chinese delivery man, who passed away during a nap on his bike after enduring gruelling 18-hour workdays, has reignited crucial discussions about the welfare and legal rights of delivery drivers across the mainland.
The incident, which unfolded in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province in eastern China, was brought to the public’s attention through a widely circulated online video on September 6.
The footage captured the food delivery worker, surnamed Yuan, who tragically succumbed in his sleep while resting on his electric bike after a taxing day of fulfilling multiple orders.
A witness revealed that Yuan had been at his post from about 9pm on September 5 until he was discovered at 1am the following morning by another delivery driver.
An insider, known as Yang Yang, shared with Zonglan News that Yuan had earned a reputation for his relentless work ethic, which earned him the nickname “Order King”.
Yang noted that Yuan typically earned between 500 and 600 yuan (US$70 and US$85) a day, with earnings exceeding 700 yuan on rainy days.
