The North Carolina Department of Labor is investigating an accident at a distribution centre in Dunn, south of Raleigh.

Dereck Rafael Carrero, 22, was filling an order at ADUSA Distribution. While he was in an aisle to pick out a product, he was struck by a high-reach motorised forklift driven by another employee.

Carrero had a serious head injury and was hospitalised, but later died of his injuries.

“We deeply regret this accident occurred and our thoughts remain with his family during this difficult time,” his employer said in a statement. “ADUSA Distribution continues to investigate the incident and is cooperating with other investigative authorities.”

The Department of Labor confirmed it received a report that an incident at the facility left a worker “caught between a forklift and a rack support”.