In the predawn hours of April 29, 2025, a devastating accident shattered the quiet at the Port Arthur LNG construction site in Sabine Pass, Texas. Three construction workers lost their lives, and two others were injured when a scaffolding structure collapsed around 2:00 a.m., casting a somber shadow over the multibillion-dollar liquefied natural gas (LNG) project. The tragedy, which unfolded at a site bustling with round-the-clock activity, has prompted a full suspension of operations and a meticulous investigation into the circumstances that led to the catastrophic failure.
The incident occurred during overnight work on a “tank jump form system,” a specialized scaffolding setup used to construct large concrete storage tanks at elevated heights. According to initial reports, a section of the scaffold—spanning roughly 8 to 12 feet across three levels—suddenly gave way, causing three workers to plummet to the ground below. Two of the workers were pronounced dead at the scene, their lives cut short in an instant. A third worker, a 41-year-old man from Houston, was rushed to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont, where he suffered cardiac arrest and later succumbed to his injuries. One of the deceased has been identified as Reggie McGee, a worker whose loss has left colleagues and loved ones grappling with grief. The identities of the other two victims remain withheld as authorities continue to notify their families.
The two surviving workers, who were on the scaffold at the time of the collapse, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and have since been released from medical care. Captain Crystal Holmes of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office provided a sobering account, noting that only the three workers who fell suffered fatal injuries, while the others managed to avoid the full brunt of the collapse. An eyewitness at the site described a chilling aftermath: the damaged scaffolding now hangs precariously at a 45-degree angle, partially detached from the massive concrete tank it was anchored to. From Texas Highway 82, across the Sabine-Neches ship channel, observers could see a rigging strap flapping from a crane’s hook block, raising questions about whether a suspended load or equipment failure contributed to the disaster. Investigators have yet to confirm whether the strap, a fallen load, or structural deficiencies in the scaffolding itself triggered the collapse.
Emergency response teams, including the Port Arthur Fire Department, City Ambulance, and Jefferson County Emergency Management, mobilized swiftly to secure the site and assist the victims. The response extended into daylight hours as crews worked to stabilize the partially collapsed scaffold and ensure the safety of the surrounding area. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has launched a formal investigation to determine the cause of the incident, with the U.S. Department of Labor pledging to release findings once the inquiry is complete. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is leading the local investigation, collaborating closely with Bechtel Global Corporation, the engineering and construction contractor overseeing the project, and Sempra Infrastructure, the project’s developer.
The Port Arthur LNG facility, a joint venture between Sempra Infrastructure and ConocoPhillips, is a cornerstone of the region’s energy ambitions. Designed to produce up to 13 million tonnes per annum of LNG, the Phase 1 project includes two liquefaction trains and storage tanks, with commercial operations slated for 2027 and 2028. Construction began in March 2023, following a $13 billion investment decision, and has employed thousands of workers in a complex, high-stakes environment. The scale of the project underscores the critical need for robust safety protocols, especially given the inherent risks of working at elevation with heavy equipment.
In the wake of the tragedy, both Bechtel and Sempra Infrastructure issued statements expressing profound sorrow. Bechtel described the incident as a “tank jump form system incident” and confirmed that all work at the site has been halted, with workers sent home to be with their families. Sempra Infrastructure emphasized its commitment to supporting the affected families and cooperating with authorities. “Our hearts go out to those who lost their lives and to the injured workers,” the company stated, pledging to prioritize assistance for all impacted.
Captain Holmes underscored the deliberate pace of the investigation, noting that uncovering the truth will require a methodical approach. Questions linger about whether the workers were wearing safety harnesses, if the scaffolding was properly rigged, or if overloading or equipment failure played a role. The incident has also reignited broader concerns about construction safety, particularly in high-risk industrial projects. OSHA data highlights the persistent dangers of scaffolding work, with dozens of fatalities recorded annually due to falls and structural failures—accidents that are often preventable through rigorous adherence to safety standards.
As the Sabine Pass community mourns, the suspended operations at the Port Arthur LNG site serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of industrial progress. The investigation’s findings will be critical not only for the families seeking answers but also for ensuring that such a tragedy does not recur. For now, the site remains silent, its future uncertain as authorities work to piece together the events of that fateful morning. Updates will follow as new details emerge, offering hope for clarity and accountability in the days ahead.
