SABINE PASS, Texas — Tragedy Strikes Port Arthur LNG Construction Site as Scaffolding Collapse Kills Three, Including Reggie McGee and Felipe Mendez; OSHA Investigation Underway

A tragic early-morning accident has claimed the lives of three construction workers and left two others injured at the Port Arthur LNG construction site in Sabine Pass, Texas. The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, during overnight operations on one of the facility’s massive concrete storage tanks.

The victims, identified as Reggie McGee and Felipe Mendez, along with a 41-year-old man from Houston whose name has not yet been released, were working on elevated scaffolding when a structural collapse sent multiple workers falling. Two of the men were pronounced dead at the scene, while the third died at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont after suffering cardiac arrest.

The industrial site, a major liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal being developed by Sempra Infrastructure in collaboration with Bechtel Global Corporation, was immediately shut down following the accident. All work has been suspended indefinitely as officials conduct a full investigation into the cause of the collapse.

According to Bechtel, the incident involved a “tank jump form system” — a temporary structure used to shape and support concrete as it is poured vertically in large sections. A portion of the scaffolding spanning three levels and estimated at 8 to 12 feet in width reportedly became unstable and collapsed, causing the workers to fall.

Captain Crystal Holmes of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that only three workers fell to the ground. Two others were injured but did not fall from the scaffolding and have since been treated and released from medical care. It is currently unclear whether the workers who fell were wearing safety harnesses or if those harnesses were properly secured.

From across the ship channel on Texas Highway 82, passersby could see a segment of scaffolding hanging precariously at a 45-degree angle, partially disconnected from the tank. Nearby, a rigging strap could be seen still attached to the hook block of a tower crane, flapping in the morning wind — a detail investigators are looking into as they assess whether a falling load or shifting weight may have played a role in triggering the collapse.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has launched a formal investigation, which will include analysis of the equipment involved, construction protocols, and safety practices. OSHA officials are expected to issue a full report once the investigation is complete.

Jefferson County authorities, including the Sheriff’s Office and local officials, are also involved in the inquiry. “This is a deliberate and methodical investigation,” said Captain Holmes. “We want to understand all the contributing factors before drawing any conclusions.”

In response to the tragedy, both Bechtel and Sempra Infrastructure released public statements expressing their sorrow and commitment to the families of the victims.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident,” a spokesperson for Bechtel said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, loved ones, and coworkers of those who were lost. We are fully cooperating with all authorities to determine the cause and will take every measure to prevent future incidents.”

Sempra echoed the sentiment: “The safety and wellbeing of our workforce is our highest priority. We are committed to supporting the affected families and our project community as we navigate this difficult time.”

Construction at the Port Arthur LNG facility — a key project aimed at expanding U.S. liquefied natural gas export capabilities — has been underway for several years and involves hundreds of skilled workers and complex infrastructure. The project, a joint venture between Sempra Infrastructure and ConocoPhillips, is expected to be one of the largest of its kind in the country.

As families grieve and the community reels from the sudden loss, officials stress that full transparency and accountability are essential. “Lives were lost,” Captain Holmes stated solemnly. “We owe it to them to find out exactly what happened.”

Funeral arrangements for the victims are pending, and grief counselors have been made available to workers and families affected by the tragedy. Bechtel has also pledged to provide financial and emotional support to the victims’ loved ones during the aftermath of this catastrophic event.