SABINE PASS, TEXAS — A tragic construction accident at the Port Arthur LNG facility has left three workers dead and two others injured, casting a somber shadow over one of the region’s largest industrial projects. The scaffolding collapse occurred in the early morning hours of Tuesday, April 29, and is now the focus of multiple investigations.
The victims have been identified as Reggie McGee, Felix Lopez, and Felipe Mendez, all of whom were working on the liquefied natural gas export site operated by engineering contractor Bechtel, under the development of Sempra Infrastructure in collaboration with ConocoPhillips.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the collapse occurred around 2:00 a.m. when a “tank jump form system” at elevation gave way. The failure caused multiple workers to fall, with two pronounced dead at the scene. A third victim, a 41-year-old man from Houston, suffered cardiac arrest en route to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont and later died.
Two additional workers sustained injuries during the collapse. Both were treated and have since been released, according to Sempra Infrastructure.
The accident site — visible from nearby Texas Highway 82 — revealed a concrete tank encased in scaffolding. Portions of three levels of the structure, each estimated to be 8 to 12 feet long, appeared detached and were seen dangling at a 45-degree angle. A rigging strap still attached to a crane’s hook block fluttered in the wind, raising questions about whether a falling load or rigging failure might have contributed to the disaster.
Captain Crystal Holmes, spokesperson for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed that only three individuals fell from the structure. Whether the workers were using fall protection remains under investigation.
A full probe is now underway, led by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Their investigation will examine the integrity of the equipment, the worksite’s safety procedures, and potential violations of federal safety standards. A final report is expected upon completion of the inquiry.
In the aftermath of the collapse, operations at the site were immediately shut down. Bechtel issued a statement expressing its condolences:
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the families and colleagues affected. All work at the site was immediately halted, and craft professionals were sent home to be with their families.”
Sempra Infrastructure echoed the sentiment:
“Our focus is on supporting the families and ensuring the safety of everyone involved. We are working closely with Bechtel and investigators to understand what happened and how it can be prevented in the future.”
The Port Arthur LNG site, a cornerstone project for U.S. energy exports, has been under development for several years and represents a key component of America’s growing liquefied natural gas capacity.
But for now, the project’s progress has taken a backseat to mourning. In Chambers County, across Texas, and beyond, coworkers and families are grieving the sudden and senseless loss of three hardworking men who started their day expecting to return home.
Memorial services and tributes are expected to follow in the coming days, as the community pays its respects to Reggie McGee, Felix Lopez, and Felipe Mendez — names now etched in the memory of a tragedy that has rocked the Gulf Coast construction community.