BRYAN COUNTY, Ga. — Editor’s note: This story has been updated with a statement from HL-GA Battery Co.
A man died Tuesday morning at an electric vehicle battery plant under construction when a load fell off a forklift, the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office reported.
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The fatal accident happened at the HL-GA Battery Co. at the Bryan County MegaSite in Ellabell. It is scheduled to start producing EV batteries for Hyundai, Kia and Genesis vehicles in early 2026.
Deputies responded to the site about 25 miles from downtown Savannah at around 11 a.m.
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As the truck was being unloaded, the load came loose from the forklift and fell, the sheriff’s department said.
Authorities said the man, an employee of a subcontractor at the plant site, wasn’t able to get out of the way in time, and he was struck and killed.
Law enforcement officials haven’t yet identified the victim, as of Tuesday, as authorities have to contact the man’s family.
Officials in Bryan County said they are continuing to investigate the fatal accident. No foul play is suspected.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has opened an investigation into the Tuesday death, a Department of Labor spokesperson said Wednesday.
That spokesperson also said OSHA is investigating another fatal forklift accident at the same site March 21.
HL-GA Battery Co. issued a statement, saying it is “deeply saddened by the death of a subcontractor employee that took place at our Bryan County construction site on May 20, 2025. We’d like to share our condolences to the subcontractor’s family, friends and colleagues.”
The company also said, “The health and safety of our larger team is our highest priority, and we are committed to following all Occupational Industrial Safety and Health Policies. Together with our subcontractor and relevant authorities, we are fully supporting a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the incident and to help prevent such accidents in the future.”
The company had no further comment “as the investigation is ongoing.”
Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution have committed more than $4.3 billion to build the EV battery plant.
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