Three men have died in a workplace accident as scaffolding on which they were working collapsed.
Reginald Magee, Felix Jose Lopez and Felipe Mendez plunged around 25 metres (85 feet) following the malfunction. Mr Lopez, 42, and Mr Mendez, 25, are believed to have died at the scene, a construction site for Port Arthur LNG, a natural gas liquefaction and export terminal in Texas. Mr Magee, who was a married dad of two, died in hospital today.
Two other men suffered injuries in the horror but did not fall, it is understood. The families of the men have paid tribute to them, including 41-year-old Mr Magee’s wife, of Houston, Texas, who told reporters their children were looking forward to spending the summer break with their father.
An investigation has opened and will look at how the scaffolding managed to give way at the site, a joint venture between firms Sempra Infrastructure and Bechtel. Each has issued a statement today, offering the grieving families their condolences.
But the Bernsen Law Firm has filed the first local lawsuit on behalf of Mr Magee’s partner, KFDM reports. Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is leading a separate, criminal probe.
Bechtel, the engineering and construction company contracted to help build the $13 billion (£9 billion) investment in new energy infrastructure at Port Arthur, has launched an internal review into the disaster. Luke Miller, manager of media relations, said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm a tank jump form system incident occurred at elevation on April 29 at the Port Arthur LNG construction site, resulting in three fatalities and two injuries. Our thoughts are with the families and our colleagues affected by this tragic incident.
“All work at the site was immediately stopped following the incident, and we have sent all craft professionals home early to be with their families during this difficult time. We are cooperating fully with local authorities as investigations continue and have launched our own internal review. Supporting those impacted and ensuring site safety remain our top priorities. Further information will be shared as it becomes available.”
Sempra Infrastructure, which has a large base in Houston, said: “At approximately 2am on Tuesday April 29, an incident occurred at the Port Arthur LNG construction site involving employees of engineering, procurement and construction contractor, Bechtel.
“Three fatalities have been reported and two others who were injured have been released from the hospital. Our condolences go out to the families of those who lost their lives as well as those who are injured. Bechtel has suspended work on the site while the incident is investigated. Bechtel is working with the applicable regulatory agencies and local authorities to investigate the situation and will provide further updates as they become available.”
Port Arthur LNG has direct access to the Gulf of Mexico via the Sabine-Neches ship channel. The work there is designed to include two natural gas liquefaction trains, two liquified natural gas (LNG) storage tanks and associated facilities with a nameplate capacity of approximately 13 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa).
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