A devastating scaffolding collapse occurred early Tuesday morning at the Port Arthur LNG construction site in Sabine Pass, Texas, resulting in the deaths of three workers and injuries to two others. The incident took place around 2 a.m. at the facility located at 3570 South Gulfway Drive, which is being developed by Bechtel Energy as part of a Phase 1 liquefaction and export terminal project. 

A devastating scaffolding collapse occurred early Tuesday morning at the Port Arthur LNG construction site in Sabine Pass, Texas, resulting in the deaths of three workers and injuries to two others. The incident took place around 2 a.m. at the facility located at 3570 South Gulfway Drive, which is being developed by Bechtel Energy as part of a Phase 1 liquefaction and export terminal project.

Incident Overview

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, a “mishap” led to the scaffolding giving way, causing three Bechtel employees to fall to the ground. Two workers were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third succumbed to injuries at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont. Two additional workers sustained minor injuries but did not fall; one has since been released from the hospital .

The collapse occurred on the left side of the scaffolding, creating uneven footing and leading to the workers’ fall. The cause of the scaffolding’s instability remains under investigation .

Company Response

In response to the tragedy, Bechtel suspended all work at the site and sent all craft professionals home early. The company expressed sorrow for the tragedy, confirmed cooperation with local authorities, and has initiated an internal review to determine the cause. Bechtel emphasized its commitment to supporting the affected families and maintaining site safety .

Ongoing Investigation

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been notified, and an investigation into the cause of the collapse is ongoing. The names of the victims have not been released as officials are still in the process of notifying the victims’ families .

Previous Incidents at Sabine Pass

This is not the first fatal accident at a Sabine Pass LNG facility. In 2015, two construction workers were killed in separate accidents at Cheniere Energy’s Sabine Pass LNG expansion project. One worker fell from scaffolding on October 17, and another died from injuries sustained in an accident on November 9 .

Conclusion

The recent scaffolding collapse at the Port Arthur LNG construction site is a tragic reminder of the inherent risks in large-scale industrial projects. As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding the cause of the collapse and implementing measures to prevent such incidents in the future.