On the early morning of April 29, 2025, tragedy struck the Port Arthur LNG construction site in Sabine Pass, Texas, when scaffolding collapsed during overnight work, killing three construction workers and leaving two others injured. The incident, which occurred around 2:00 a.m., prompted an immediate shutdown of operations at the massive liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility currently under development by Sempra Infrastructure in partnership with Bechtel Global Corporation. One of the deceased workers has been identified as Reggie McGee, and another as a 41-year-old man from Houston. The identities of the remaining victims have not yet been publicly released.

This catastrophic collapse, which led to the deaths of three workers and severe injuries to two others, has raised critical questions about safety protocols, structural integrity, and operational procedures at one of the United States’ most important energy projects. As investigators and authorities continue their inquiry, this tragic event brings into sharp focus the risks and challenges faced by construction workers on high-stakes projects in hazardous environments.

The Port Arthur LNG Project: A Massive Undertaking

Port Arthur LNG is a multi-billion-dollar energy project designed to expand the United States’ capacity for liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. This facility is a significant part of the broader infrastructure that is driving the U.S. toward becoming a dominant force in the global LNG export market. The facility at Sabine Pass is set to enhance the country’s ability to transport natural gas abroad, particularly to markets in Europe and Asia, where the demand for cleaner energy sources has been steadily increasing.

The project has been under construction for several years and involves complex industrial infrastructure, including large-scale liquefaction trains, storage tanks, and a sprawling workforce. Thousands of workers are involved in various stages of the construction process, from assembly to safety operations to mechanical and electrical engineering. These workers, who often operate at height and in complex, high-risk environments, face inherent dangers in their day-to-day work. This incident at the Port Arthur LNG site underscores the risks that construction workers face in the energy sector, particularly when dealing with large-scale industrial construction projects.

The Incident: Details of the Fatal Scaffolding Collapse

The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of April 29, 2025, when a section of scaffolding, spanning approximately 8 to 12 feet across three levels, suddenly collapsed at the Port Arthur LNG construction site. The scaffolding, which was part of an ongoing project involving a “tank jump form system” at an elevated height, failed catastrophically, sending workers plummeting to the ground. Three construction workers, including Reggie McGee, fell as a result of the collapse, and two of them were pronounced dead at the scene. A third victim, a 41-year-old man from Houston, was transported to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont, where he later succumbed to injuries and cardiac arrest.

The workers were reportedly engaged in overnight work when the collapse occurred, and initial reports suggest that the failure of the scaffolding system may have been due to structural issues. According to Bechtel, the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor overseeing the site, the collapse was triggered by a catastrophic failure of the scaffolding system itself. Investigators are currently examining whether rigging failure, structural issues, or a combination of both played a role in the incident.

Eyewitness Accounts and the Immediate Response

Eyewitnesses on-site described the scene after the scaffolding collapsed as chaotic. One account from a worker stated that the scaffolding, which had once been a solid structure, was now hanging at a 45-degree angle, partially disconnected but still loosely attached to the large concrete tank structure. From a vantage point on Texas Highway 82, the damaged scaffolding was visible, with a flapping rigging strap still attached to a crane’s hook block, further raising concerns that a suspended load might have fallen or slipped, potentially striking the scaffold and triggering the collapse.

While this detail has raised questions, authorities have not yet confirmed whether the rigging strap or any falling materials contributed to the incident. The investigation is ongoing, and it remains unclear whether the workers involved in the collapse were wearing safety harnesses or were properly secured at the time of the accident.

Emergency services, including City Ambulance and personnel from Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital, responded swiftly to the scene. The two surviving workers who sustained injuries have since been treated and released from medical care, according to Sempra Infrastructure. The response of emergency services was critical in mitigating further harm and ensuring that the remaining workers received the care they needed.

Reggie McGee: A Life Cut Short

Among the victims of this tragic accident was Reggie McGee, a 41-year-old construction worker. McGee’s death has deeply affected his family, friends, and colleagues at the Port Arthur LNG site. While McGee’s background and personal life are still being compiled, it is clear that he was a skilled worker who played a critical role in the construction efforts at the LNG facility. The loss of McGee has left an emotional void in the lives of those who worked closely with him and depended on his expertise.

The family of McGee, like the families of the other victims, now faces the difficult task of mourning the loss of a loved one while waiting for further details regarding the incident. The unanswered questions about how the scaffolding collapsed and whether there were lapses in safety protocols only add to the pain for those who knew and loved McGee. His death serves as a reminder of the potential dangers inherent in large-scale industrial construction projects and the toll that such tragedies take on workers and their families.

The Investigation: Searching for Answers

The investigation into the scaffolding collapse is ongoing, with multiple agencies involved in determining the exact cause of the incident. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has launched a formal inquiry into the incident, and findings will be released once the investigation concludes. OSHA is tasked with ensuring that workplace safety regulations are adhered to and will examine whether Bechtel, Sempra Infrastructure, and other involved parties followed the necessary protocols to protect workers.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, which is leading the local investigation, is working closely with Bechtel and other stakeholders to piece together the details of the accident. Investigators will need to assess the integrity of the scaffolding, the safety measures in place at the time of the collapse, and the sequence of events leading up to the tragedy. Questions about whether the workers involved were properly trained and whether all necessary safety equipment was available and properly used are likely to be key components of the investigation.

In their joint response to the tragedy, both Bechtel and Sempra Infrastructure expressed their condolences to the families of the victims and pledged full cooperation with investigators. Bechtel has also confirmed that they have halted all work at the site, sending workers home as the investigation continues. Operations will remain suspended until a thorough investigation is completed.

Port Arthur LNG: The Importance of Safety in High-Stakes Energy Projects

The Port Arthur LNG project is a critical piece of infrastructure for the United States’ energy industry. As a multibillion-dollar facility, it will enhance the country’s ability to export liquefied natural gas to global markets, strengthening the nation’s role in the global energy landscape. The construction of such a large-scale facility involves a complex mix of engineering, logistics, and human labor, with many workers exposed to high-risk environments.

The tragic scaffolding collapse underscores the inherent dangers in large-scale construction projects, particularly those involving complex structures such as LNG facilities. The loss of three workers highlights the importance of maintaining rigorous safety standards and ensuring that all safety protocols are followed to protect those involved in such projects. While construction accidents can never be completely eliminated, this incident serves as a reminder of the need for constant vigilance and continuous improvement in safety practices to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The Impact on the Local Community

The Port Arthur LNG site is a key part of the local economy, and the tragedy has affected not only the workers but also the broader Sabine Pass and Port Arthur communities. Local residents depend on the jobs and economic activity generated by the LNG facility, and the loss of workers on the site is a devastating blow to the community. Families, friends, and colleagues who knew the victims are now left to mourn and process the emotional toll of this incident.

Additionally, the tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of worker safety in the energy sector. The construction of such large-scale projects often involves a transient workforce, with many workers coming from other regions to support the development. The community’s reaction to this incident will likely lead to renewed discussions about the need for stronger safety regulations and better oversight in the construction of critical energy infrastructure.

The Path Forward: Accountability and Reflection

As the investigation into the Port Arthur LNG scaffolding collapse continues, it is critical that the incident leads to meaningful changes in the way industrial construction projects are managed. This includes ensuring that workers are provided with proper safety equipment, training, and oversight throughout the duration of the project. Accountability for this tragedy will be a key part of the process, as families and the community demand answers and justice for those who lost their lives.

For now, the families of the victims, including Reggie McGee, are left to grieve and remember their loved ones. The investigation into the collapse is expected to take time, and it is likely that further updates will be provided as new information becomes available. The hope is that this tragic event will serve as a catalyst for change, prompting the energy and construction sectors to place an even greater emphasis on the safety and well-being of the workers who play such an essential role in the development of critical infrastructure.

Conclusion: Honoring the Lives Lost

The tragic deaths of Reggie McGee and his colleagues in the Port Arthur LNG scaffolding collapse serve as a painful reminder of the dangers faced by construction workers in high-risk industries. As the investigation continues and the families begin the long process of healing, the community, Bechtel, Sempra Infrastructure, and all those involved in the project must reflect on the lessons learned from this incident. The hope is that through a careful and thorough investigation, steps will be taken to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again, and that the sacrifices of those who lost their lives will lead to meaningful improvements in workplace safety across the industry.