Scaffolding Collapse at Port Arthur LNG Site in Sabine Pass Kills Three Workers, Injures Two; OSHA and Authorities Launch Investigation
SABINE PASS, Texas — In the early morning hours of Tuesday, April 29, a tragic construction accident unfolded at the Port Arthur LNG site in Sabine Pass, Texas, when a scaffolding collapse claimed the lives of three construction workers and left two others injured. The incident has prompted a complete shutdown of operations at the massive liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility, which is currently being developed by Sempra Infrastructure in collaboration with Bechtel Global Corporation.
The collapse occurred around 2:00 a.m. during overnight work involving a “tank jump form system,” a specialized piece of construction equipment used in the vertical assembly of massive concrete storage tanks. According to Bechtel, the contractor overseeing the site, a structural failure in the scaffolding—spanning approximately 8 to 12 feet and extending over three levels—led to the sudden collapse. Three workers fell from height; two were pronounced dead at the scene, while the third was rushed to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont in cardiac arrest and later died.
One of the deceased victims has been identified as 41-year-old Reggie McGee of Houston. The identities of the other two victims have not yet been publicly released as officials notify next of kin. The two surviving workers were treated for non-life-threatening injuries and have since been discharged.
Captain Crystal Holmes of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the victims fell when the scaffolding structure became unstable and detached. Eyewitnesses on-site described the scene as chaotic, with sections of the scaffolding now hanging at a steep angle. A rigging strap connected to a crane was still visible, suggesting that a suspended load may have struck the structure, though this detail has not yet been confirmed by investigators.
From across the ship channel on Texas Highway 82, passersby could see the damaged structure, which appeared to still be loosely tethered to the main concrete tank, raising concerns over lingering safety hazards.
Emergency response teams, including City Ambulance services and medical personnel from Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital, quickly mobilized to the scene. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has since opened a formal investigation into the collapse. The U.S. Department of Labor stated that results will be made available once a thorough assessment has been completed.
In response to the fatalities, both Sempra Infrastructure and Bechtel issued statements offering condolences and pledging full cooperation with investigators.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life resulting from this incident,” Bechtel said. “Our thoughts are with the families and colleagues of those impacted.”
Sempra echoed the sentiment: “Our condolences go out to the families of those who lost their lives, as well as to the injured workers. We are prioritizing support for all impacted and continuing to work with local authorities.”
All operations at the Port Arthur LNG site were immediately halted following the collapse, and the site remains shut down until further notice. Bechtel has also confirmed that employees were sent home and that safety protocols are under review.
The Port Arthur LNG facility, a cornerstone in the U.S. energy infrastructure, is a multibillion-dollar project intended to enhance the country’s capacity to export liquefied natural gas. The scale and complexity of the project have drawn scrutiny to the importance of rigorous safety standards at such high-risk job sites.
At present, it remains unclear whether the workers who fell were properly secured with harnesses or whether the collapse was caused solely by equipment failure or other contributing factors.
“This will be a slow and methodical process,” said Captain Holmes. “Bechtel, the sheriff’s office, and other agencies are working together closely to determine exactly what happened.”
Community leaders and labor advocates have voiced concern over worker safety at major industrial sites, especially those involving dangerous high-elevation tasks.
As the investigation unfolds, the families of the victims—and the wider community of Sabine Pass—await answers and accountability for a tragedy that has shaken the region.
Authorities are urging anyone with information or footage related to the incident to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office or OSHA.