Close X
Friday, September 20, 2024
ADVT 
International

Uber Eats rider killed in Sydney crash identified as Indian student

Darpan News Desk IANS, 03 Aug, 2023 12:01 PM
  • Uber Eats rider killed in Sydney crash identified as Indian student

Sydney, Aug 3 (IANS) A 22-year-old Uber Eats rider who died after his bike collided with an SUV in Sydney last month has been identified as an Indian student from Mumbai.

Akshay Doultani, who came to Sydney in February on a scholarship to study Master’s degree in finance at Macquarie University, died at the Royal North Shore hospital on July 22.

Confirming his identity, Labor senator Tony Sheldon told the parliament earlier this week that Akshay was the 12th food delivery rider to be killed while on the job since 2017.

“Akshay came to this country on a scholarship to pursue his dreams and give his family a brighter future,” Sheldon said on Monday.

“At around 8 p.m. at the intersection of Blaxland Road and Epping Road, in Epping, Akshay was making a delivery on his scooter when he was hit by an SUV.”

Akshay's cousin told ABC News that the only reason why he wanted to come abroad was to provide more amenities for his family so they could live a lifestyle that was much better.

To pay his fees, Akshay worked as a food delivery rider at least three times a week.

"It's very hard for the parents to digest that their only son is no more," Sunil Paryani, who travelled all the way from Hong Kong to collect his nephew's body, told ABC News.

The fatal crash is currently being investigated by the New South Wales (NSW) Police and Safework NSW.

"Akshay's tragic loss is another reminder of how dangerous the gig economy can be... where workers are forced to push themselves to the limit just to make ends meet," Sheldon said.

Further, the senator called for a transport reform to ensure that the gig workers, numbering approximately 250,000 in the industry, get basic employment rights as well as right compensation.

In a statement shared by ABC, Uber Eats said it was committed to the safety of delivery workers and had policies in place to enhance road safety.

"In Australia, Uber Eats delivery people are covered by a support package designed specifically for them," a company spokesperson said.

MORE International ARTICLES

Sikhs call for probe after North Carolina Gurdwara vandalised

Sikhs call for probe after North Carolina Gurdwara vandalised
In various incidents over the last two months, the windows, lights and security cameras of Gurdwara Sahib Khalsa Darbar on East Arrowood Road in Charlotte, North Carolina, were shattered and damaged. Acts of vandalism at the Gurdwara started last fall with trash being thrown around the area.

Sikhs call for probe after North Carolina Gurdwara vandalised

British-Indian found guilty of killing father with champagne bottle

British-Indian found guilty of killing father with champagne bottle
The father's body was found on the floor of Deekan's bedroom with the "head caved in", the Old Bailey court heard. Vig admitted manslaughter but was found guilty of murder after a jury deliberated for less than a day, the report said.

British-Indian found guilty of killing father with champagne bottle

WHO is keeping the COVID-19 emergency. Now what?

WHO is keeping the COVID-19 emergency. Now what?
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the international body, said Monday "there is no doubt that we're in a far better situation now" than a year ago, when the highly transmissible Omicron variant was at its peak.

WHO is keeping the COVID-19 emergency. Now what?

Investigators checking for mechanical issues in Tesla crash involving Indian-American

Investigators checking for mechanical issues in Tesla crash involving Indian-American
Police had initially arrested Dharmesh A Patel on suspicion of attempted murder and child abuse for allegedly intentionally driving the sedan, with his wife and two children inside, off a 250-foot California cliff. Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said they are also investigating whether the crash could have been caused due to an issue with the car. 

Investigators checking for mechanical issues in Tesla crash involving Indian-American

Indian-American Republican Party challenger picking up support to head party

Indian-American Republican Party challenger picking up support to head party
Dhillon's platform for the leadership includes decentralising the party organisation by setting up more regional centres away from Washington, DC, to build the party's grassroots and reduce the influence of lobbyists and self-serving politicians.

Indian-American Republican Party challenger picking up support to head party

Multiple Indian-Americans charged with dental practice fraud

Multiple Indian-Americans charged with dental practice fraud
Dentist brothers Bhaskar Savani, 57, and Niranjan Savani, 51, owned and controlled the Savani Group dental practices. The third brother, Arun Savani, 55, owned and managed the Savani Group companies and was responsible for the Group's financial affairs. The trio allegedly conspired to recruit foreign workers for US work visas while concealing the workers' true job titles and responsibilities.

Multiple Indian-Americans charged with dental practice fraud