Third Victim Identified in Fatal Scaffolding Collapse at Port Arthur LNG Site in Sabine Pass
SABINE PASS, Texas — The third worker who tragically lost his life in the early morning scaffolding collapse at the Port Arthur LNG construction site has been identified as Felix López. López, along with fellow workers Reggie McGee and Felipe Mendez, died following the devastating incident that occurred at approximately 2:00 a.m. on April 29, 2025. The collapse has halted operations at one of the largest ongoing industrial construction projects in the nation, prompting grief, questions, and renewed scrutiny of safety practices.
The incident unfolded at the Port Arthur LNG site in Sabine Pass, a major liquefied natural gas facility being developed by Sempra Infrastructure and built by engineering and construction giant Bechtel. According to officials, the workers were on a complex scaffolding structure—a “tank jump form system”—positioned at elevation when it collapsed without warning, sending several individuals plummeting.
Two of the workers, including López, were killed immediately at the scene. A third, a 41-year-old man from Houston, suffered cardiac arrest and later died at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont, Jefferson County Precinct One Justice of the Peace Ben Collins Sr. confirmed. López was the last of the three victims to be publicly identified.
Two other workers were injured in the collapse but were treated at a nearby hospital and have since been released, according to Sempra Infrastructure. Their identities have not been made public, but company officials noted that their injuries were not life-threatening.
Bechtel, the project’s lead construction contractor, released a statement expressing condolences to the families of the fallen workers and promising full cooperation with local and federal investigations.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of our colleagues and extend our deepest sympathies to their families and loved ones,” the company stated. “Safety is our highest priority, and we are working closely with all authorities to determine the cause of this tragic incident.”
Captain Crystal Holmes of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the collapse resulted from a structural failure within the scaffolding system. Investigators are still working to determine exactly what went wrong and whether all required safety measures—including fall protection—were in place and being properly used at the time of the incident. Holmes noted that only three individuals actually fell to the ground during the collapse, suggesting a localized but catastrophic failure of the structure.
From the vantage point of Texas Highway 82, a large concrete tank can be seen surrounded by multi-level scaffolding, now partially disassembled following the collapse. The “tank jump form system” involved is a formwork platform used in large-scale concrete construction—typically designed for high safety standards but inherently dangerous due to elevation and complexity.
In response to the accident, an immediate work stoppage was ordered across the entire site. Both Bechtel and Sempra Infrastructure emphasized that no further work will proceed until thorough inspections and a full review of site safety protocols are completed.
The tragic loss of life has drawn the attention of local labor unions, safety advocates, and government agencies. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has been notified and is expected to lead a comprehensive investigation. This is not the first incident at a major industrial construction site in the region, and some are now calling for increased oversight and stronger enforcement of workplace safety laws.
Family members of the victims are grappling with immense grief. Felix López, remembered by loved ones as a hardworking and devoted family man, had reportedly been working at the site for several months. “He was proud to help build something big,” said a relative, “but he should have come home that day.”
As the community mourns and investigations continue, the incident stands as a painful reminder of the dangers faced by those in the construction and energy sectors. Memorials and vigils are being planned by coworkers and community members, with many calling not just for remembrance—but for accountability.
Further updates are expected as the investigation unfolds, and the families of the victims, including that of Felix López, await answers and justice in the wake of an unimaginable loss.