China: Delivery man works 18 hours a day and dies while napping on his bike

A 55-year-old Chinese delivery worker tragically died while sleeping on his bicycle after a break from his grueling 18-hour workday.

The delivery man's death sparked a debate across the country about the rights and welfare of delivery drivers.

The incident occurred in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang province, and sparked public debate after it was reported in a widely shared online video on September 6.

According to a witness, the food delivery driver remained at his post from about 9 p.m. local time on September 5 until he was discovered by another delivery driver at 1 a.m. local time.

Speaking to Zonglan News, an insider said the driver’s tireless work ethic earned him the nickname “Order King.”

He said the delivery man could earn between 500 and 600 yuan (US$70 to US$85) a day, and that his earnings would rise to 700 yuan (US$98.66) on rainy days.

“Sometimes he would work until 3 a.m. and then get up at 6 a.m. to continue working. When he was tired, he would take a short nap on his bike and be ready to return to work as soon as an order came in,” Yang said.

Another colleague of the food delivery driver said that he had recently been involved in a traffic accident while delivering an order and had broken his leg.

The delivery man not only earned money for himself, but also supported his 16-year-old son. His eldest son was married and had children.

In response to the incident, an official statement from the Xianlin sub-district office in Yuhang County said the delivery man “collapsed and died despite receiving emergency treatment.”

“The food delivery platform, the insurance company and the family have reached an agreement. Further arrangements will be made in an orderly manner,” the statement continued.

The incident sparked a public outcry on social media.

“Another 'order king' has fallen. Is there really no way to prevent these tragedies?” one person wrote.

“He was in his 50s, the sole breadwinner of his family and worked day and night. May he rest in peace. I hope he doesn't have to race against time like that in his next life,” said another.

(With contributions from agencies)