Three Dead After Scaffolding Collapse at Texas Construction Site

SABINE PASS, TX — Three construction workers are dead and two others were injured following a scaffolding collapse early Tuesday morning at the Port Arthur LNG site in Sabine Pass, prompting an immediate halt to work at the facility.

It happened around 2 a.m. on April 29 and involved employees of Bechtel, the site’s engineering, procurement, and construction contractor, according to local media reports. The two injured workers have since been released from the hospital.

Bechtel stated the collapse was related to a “tank jump form system incident” at elevation, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.

Two workers died at the scene, while a third—identified as a 41-year-old Houston man—died at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont after going into cardiac arrest, according to officials. Andre Ruby of City Ambulance and Justice of the Peace Ben Collins Sr. confirmed the deaths.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the collapse and will release findings upon completion, a U.S. Department of Labor spokesperson stated.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, a failure in the scaffolding system caused the workers to fall. Only three of the five workers fell to the ground, Holmes said.

Bechtel suspended all site operations immediately following the incident and sent craft professionals home. 

The Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation in coordination with Bechtel.

Port Arthur LNG is a joint project between Sempra Infrastructure and ConocoPhillips. Construction has been ongoing for several years.

Bechtel and Sempra Infrastructure both stated they are working with regulators and authorities and will provide updates as the investigation progresses.