Second worker dies at Hungary BYD factory scrutinized for labor issues

A tragic incident has occurred at the construction site of BYD’s electric vehicle factory in Szeged, Hungary, with the loss of a second worker’s life, CNBC has confirmed.

This unfortunate event follows a previous fatality at the site in February. BYD’s executive vice president, Stella Li, had recently denied allegations of labor abuse at the factory, inviting labor inspectors to verify the conditions. Despite this, BYD has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the latest worker death.

The worker passed away on June 18 after resuscitation efforts by paramedics proved unsuccessful, as reported by Hungary’s National Ambulance Service to CNBC. Various emergency units, including a rescue helicopter, were dispatched to the scene of the incident.

According to local media reports, the worker was involved in an accident with a lorry at the construction site. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

AIM Construction Hungary Ltd., a subsidiary of the construction company implicated in a previous labor scandal at BYD’s EV factory in Brazil, was fined for occupational safety violations in connection to the second worker’s death.

Additionally, two other companies, LÉVAI-SECURITY Ltd. and Plusz Kéz Ltd., were found to be non-compliant with labor regulations, receiving fines and warnings accordingly.

Earlier this year, China Labor Watch released a report detailing labor rights abuses at BYD’s Szeged factory construction site, including claims of forced labor and withholding of wages.

Despite these challenges, BYD remains committed to its production schedule, with machinery already being moved into the site for full production expected in the third quarter of 2026.