At a Glance
- John Brandon Lacayanga, 28, was found dead under a cargo pallet at SFO on Jan. 18, 2026.
- The incident happened on a vehicle service road between Terminal 3 and the International Terminal Boarding Area G.
- OSHA is investigating the incident; no additional details are available.
- A GoFundMe page has been created to help family with funeral costs.
A 28-year-old employee of Dubai National Air Travel Agency was killed after a cargo pallet accident at San Francisco International Airport on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. Firefighters discovered him beneath the pallet around 7 p.m., and OSHA is investigating. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help family with funeral costs.
Incident Overview
The fatal incident occurred on a vehicle service road that runs between Terminal 3 and the International Terminal Boarding Area G at SFO.
John Brandon Lacayanga was towing a cargo pallet when the accident happened.
San Francisco Firefighters responded to an accident report and found him deceased beneath the pallet.
The incident took place on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, around 7 p.m., according to SFO spokesperson Doug Yakel.
The exact cause of the accident remains unclear, but it involved the employee being positioned underneath the pallet.
- 7 p.m.: Firefighters arrive and find employee beneath pallet.
- OSHA arrives that same night to interview employer.
- DNATA is notified and cooperates with authorities.
- Investigation ongoing; no additional details released.
Investigation and Response
San Francisco Firefighters were the first responders to the scene.
They found Lacayanga deceased beneath the cargo pallet.
OSHA arrived that same night to interview Dubai National Air Travel Agency, the employee’s employer.
OSHA is conducting an investigation, but has not released further details.
SFO spokesperson Doug Yakel confirmed that the employee was towing a cargo pallet at the time of death.
Company Involvement
Dubai National Air Travel Agency, headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, provides ground handling and cargo services worldwide.
The agency also offers travel and flight catering services, according to its website.
DNATA issued a statement expressing condolences for the loss.
The statement emphasized that the company is providing all possible support to Lacayanga’s family and working closely with authorities.
Family and Community Support
A GoFundMe page was created to help Lacayanga’s parents, Hospicio and Jane Lacayanga, with funeral costs.
The page’s description reads, ‘This tragic loss was unexpected, and we hope to ease the financial burden on his parents during this incredibly difficult time.’
The fundraiser encourages contributions of any amount to honor Brandon’s life and legacy.
The family has expressed deep gratitude for the community’s support.
Safety Context
The incident highlights the risks associated with cargo pallet operations on airport service roads.
SFO’s vehicle service roads are used for ground equipment and employee transport.
OSHA’s investigation will examine safety protocols and equipment used during the incident.
DNATA’s role as a global ground handling provider underscores the importance of stringent safety measures.
SFO spokesperson Doug Yakel confirmed that the incident involved a cargo pallet on a vehicle service road.
The employee was believed to be towing the pallet at the time of death, according to Yakel.
OSHA’s investigation will look into safety protocols related to pallet handling.
DNATA is a UAE-based company that provides ground handling services.
The company’s statement emphasized support for the family and close cooperation with authorities.
The GoFundMe page was launched shortly after the incident.
The page aims to cover funeral costs for the family.
Hospicio and Jane Lacayanga are the parents seeking assistance.
The fundraiser encourages donations of any size.
The community has responded with offers of support.
SFO’s vehicle service road between Terminal 3 and the International Terminal Boarding Area G is a critical pathway for ground operations.
The employee’s death has prompted a review of safety procedures at the airport.
OSHA officials will likely conduct on-site inspections as part of the investigation.
DNATA’s global presence means the incident could affect operations in other airports.
Key Takeaways
- 28-year-old employee died after cargo pallet accident at SFO.
- OSHA is investigating; no further details released.
- DNATA is cooperating with authorities and supporting the family.
- GoFundMe launched to assist with funeral costs.
