Polish seasonal worker collapses and dies while harvesting zucchini in Belgian heat wave

A 50-year-old Polish seasonal farm worker died on Friday afternoon while harvesting zucchini at a farm in Zonnebeke, West Flanders, Belgium. The man collapsed in high heat and, despite immediate resuscitation attempts by emergency services, was pronounced dead at the scene. Belgian authorities immediately opened an investigation and suspended field work at the site.

What happened

On 26 June, the worker, who was employed as a seasonal labourer on a farm along the Langemarkstraat, suddenly felt unwell and lost consciousness while working outdoors. Temperatures that day were exceptionally high, part of a heatwave sweeping across Belgium and much of Europe. Colleagues called emergency services; paramedics arrived quickly and carried out prolonged resuscitation, but the man could not be revived. The death was reported to the labour auditorate in Ghent because it occurred during the performance of his duties.

Investigation and autopsy

A forensic expert was assigned to the case and an autopsy was ordered to establish the direct cause of death. Investigators are exploring whether the extreme heat led to heat stroke, severe dehydration, or a sudden cardiac arrest. So far, no official determination has been made, and the labour inspectorate has not released details about the man’s identity. As a precautionary measure, further harvesting work on that field was suspended pending the results of the inquiry.

Worker safety in a heatwave

Belgium, like several European countries, has been under severe heat advisories. Physical labour in such conditions carries well-documented risks, including heat exhaustion and cardiovascular strain. The labour inspectorate’s decision to halt work underscores the seriousness of the situation. The case has attracted attention from Polish media, which note the potential implications for seasonal migrant workers who often face strenuous conditions during harvests.

Europe's extreme heat

The incident comes amid a severe heatwave affecting Belgium and large parts of Europe. Authorities have issued high-temperature alerts, and outdoor workers are considered especially at risk. Polish coverage frames the death as a cautionary example of the dangers that unmitigated heat presents to seasonal labourers.

Official silence

The Belgian labour auditorate and inspectorate declined to provide further comment, stating that they are awaiting the forensic report. Belgian news outlet Het Laatste Nieuws (HLN) first reported the incident and will follow developments as the autopsy results become available.