SABINE PASS, Texas — A tragic scaffolding collapse at the Port Arthur LNG construction site in Sabine Pass, Texas, claimed the lives of three construction workers and left two others injured early Tuesday morning. The incident occurred at approximately 2:00 a.m. on April 29, 2025, at the large-scale industrial site, which is operated by Bechtel, a leading engineering, procurement, and construction contractor. The project, part of a larger effort to expand U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity, has now been marred by this horrific accident. The three deceased workers, identified as Reggie McGee, Felipe Mendez, and a 41-year-old man from Houston, lost their lives after a catastrophic failure in the scaffolding system.

This devastating event raises multiple questions about construction safety, equipment reliability, and oversight practices in high-risk industrial settings. As investigations unfold, authorities are meticulously piecing together the events leading up to the fatal collapse, with a focus on ensuring that the incident’s cause is thoroughly understood to prevent future tragedies.

The Incident: A Nightmarish Collapse

At around 2:00 a.m. on April 29, workers at the Port Arthur LNG site were conducting routine activities when a section of scaffolding, part of the “tank jump form system,” failed at an elevation, leading to multiple workers plummeting to the ground. Two workers were pronounced dead at the scene, while the third, a 41-year-old male from Houston, later succumbed to a cardiac arrest at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont.

Initial reports suggest that a failure within the scaffolding system led to the collapse. According to Captain Crystal Holmes of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the incident appears to have been caused by structural failure, but the precise mechanisms behind the collapse remain unclear. Investigators are considering the possibility that a falling load may have struck the scaffolding or if rigging or structural failures played a role. This possibility is crucial for the investigation, as it could indicate broader issues related to the rigging system, scaffolding integrity, and equipment management on the site.

The Port Arthur LNG project is significant not only for its scale but for its place in the broader context of U.S. energy infrastructure development. The construction site is designed to support the growing demand for LNG, and the catastrophic collapse has cast a shadow over the project’s safety protocols.

Worker Injuries and Immediate Response

The two injured workers were treated and released from the hospital after receiving medical attention. However, the emotional toll on all those involved in the incident has been profound. Bechtel and Sempra Infrastructure, the companies overseeing the project, have expressed their deep condolences to the families and colleagues of the deceased workers. Both companies have emphasized their commitment to understanding the cause of the accident and ensuring that similar incidents are prevented in the future.

A statement issued by Bechtel emphasized that work at the site had been immediately halted following the collapse. All construction workers were sent home to be with their families during this incredibly difficult time. This swift response highlights the severity of the situation and the need for compassion in the face of tragedy.

Sempra Infrastructure, one of the key developers behind the LNG facility, echoed Bechtel’s sentiments, reaffirming the suspension of work on the site as part of the ongoing investigation. Both companies have vowed to cooperate fully with the authorities to ensure a thorough examination of the events leading up to the fatal collapse.

The Role of Scaffolding and Safety Protocols

The collapse occurred in a section of scaffolding surrounding a concrete tank, which was part of the LNG construction process. This tank is crucial for the storage of liquefied natural gas, and the scaffolding system is a vital component that allows workers to perform tasks at elevated heights.

Scaffolding systems are designed to provide safe, stable platforms for workers to access difficult-to-reach areas of construction sites. However, they can become hazardous if not properly constructed, maintained, or used in accordance with safety protocols. The failure of the scaffolding system at the Port Arthur LNG site raises significant concerns about the structural integrity of such systems and the procedures in place to ensure their safety.

It remains unclear whether the workers involved in the incident were wearing proper fall protection gear at the time of the collapse. Fall protection is a critical safety measure for workers operating at heights, and its failure or absence can result in catastrophic injuries or death. Investigators are focusing on whether safety protocols were followed during the accident, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is conducting a formal investigation to determine if any violations occurred.

The scaffolding failure, along with the potential involvement of rigging or structural issues, will be central to the ongoing investigations. These investigations will examine the specific circumstances that led to the failure, the quality and maintenance of the equipment, and whether all safety protocols were properly adhered to.

Response from Authorities and Investigation Process

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, along with other local and federal authorities, is leading the investigation into the incident. Captain Holmes emphasized that the investigative process would be slow and methodical to ensure that every factor contributing to the collapse is fully understood. The investigation will focus on all aspects of the incident, from the equipment used to the procedures followed, to determine the exact cause of the scaffolding failure.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has also launched a formal investigation into the incident. OSHA’s involvement is crucial, as the agency is responsible for enforcing safety regulations in the workplace, particularly in high-risk industries like construction. OSHA will conduct a comprehensive review of the equipment used on site, as well as the procedures in place to protect workers. The results of this investigation will be crucial in determining whether there were any violations of workplace safety regulations and in identifying any steps that need to be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In addition to investigating the immediate causes of the collapse, authorities will likely examine broader safety issues at the site, such as how scaffolding systems are designed, maintained, and inspected. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for future construction projects, particularly in the LNG sector, where the safety of workers is paramount.

The Broader Context: LNG Expansion and Worker Safety

The Port Arthur LNG project is part of a larger effort to expand U.S. liquefied natural gas export capacity. As demand for LNG grows, particularly from countries seeking to reduce their reliance on coal and other fossil fuels, the U.S. has become a major player in the global LNG market. The Port Arthur facility, in particular, is designed to help meet this growing demand and is a vital part of the energy infrastructure that supports both domestic and international energy markets.

However, the tragedy at the Port Arthur LNG site underscores the risks that come with large-scale construction projects in high-risk industries. The construction of LNG facilities involves complex and often dangerous tasks, including working at significant heights, handling heavy equipment, and operating large-scale machinery. While companies like Bechtel and Sempra Infrastructure have safety protocols in place, the collapse highlights the need for continuous improvement in safety standards, particularly in industries where workers face significant risks.

This incident also calls attention to the broader issue of worker safety in the construction industry. Despite advancements in safety technology and practices, construction workers continue to face high rates of injury and death on the job. According to data from OSHA, construction remains one of the deadliest industries in the United States, with falls being one of the leading causes of fatalities. This tragic accident serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous safety standards and the need for constant vigilance to protect workers.

Next Steps and Moving Forward

As investigations into the scaffolding collapse continue, both Bechtel and Sempra Infrastructure have pledged to support the affected families and ensure that the cause of the incident is thoroughly understood. The companies have also committed to taking all necessary steps to prevent future tragedies and to improve safety protocols on the site.

For the families of the victims, the road ahead will be filled with grief and uncertainty. The loss of three workers in such a devastating and preventable incident is a blow to their families, their colleagues, and the construction industry as a whole. The ongoing investigation will seek to bring clarity to the circumstances surrounding the collapse and to ensure that steps are taken to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

As the Port Arthur LNG site continues its construction efforts, the industry as a whole must reflect on the lessons learned from this tragic event. The importance of worker safety cannot be overstated, and all stakeholders in the construction and energy sectors must commit to doing everything in their power to protect those who work in these high-risk environments. The outcome of this investigation will likely have far-reaching consequences, not only for Bechtel and Sempra Infrastructure but for the entire construction industry.

In the meantime, the Port Arthur LNG project will remain suspended, as investigators work tirelessly to determine the cause of the scaffolding collapse. The future of the site, as well as the broader LNG expansion efforts, will depend on the lessons learned from this tragic incident and the steps taken to ensure the safety of workers in the future.

Conclusion

The fatal scaffolding collapse at the Port Arthur LNG site in Sabine Pass, Texas, has left three construction workers dead and two others injured. As authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the collapse, the tragedy raises important questions about worker safety and the need for more stringent oversight in high-risk industries. While the investigation continues, the thoughts of the entire industry and community are with the families of the victims, whose lives have been irreparably changed by this heartbreaking event.