Bechtel halts work after fatal scaffolding collapse at Port Arthur LNG project

A rendering of the Port Arthur, Texas, LNG facility. (Image: Bechtel)

US contractor Bechtel has halted all work at a construction site in Texas, US, after three people were killed and two injured in a scaffolding collapse.

Bechtel is the lead engineering, procurement and construction contractor on the US$13 billion Port Arthur Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) Phase 1 project, which is a natural gas liquefaction and export terminal in Southeast Texas.

In a statement, the company said, “We are deeply saddened to confirm a tank jump form system incident occurred at elevation on April 29 at the Port Arthur LNG construction site, resulting in three fatalities and two injuries. Our thoughts are with the families and our colleagues affected by this tragic incident.

“All work at the site was immediately stopped following the incident, and we have sent all craft professionals home early to be with their families during this difficult time. We are cooperating fully with local authorities as investigations continue and have launched our own internal review. Supporting those impacted and ensuring site safety remain our top priorities.”

The project involves building two natural gas liquefaction trains with a production capacity od approximately 13.5 million tonnes per year, alongside new natural gas pipelines designed to deliver fuel to the terminal.

Bechtel received final notice to proceed on the work in March 2023 and so far has installed 10,000 piles and 18,000 cubic yards of concrete, as well as the installation of structural steel and popping for Train 1.

The work, for public utility company Sempra, is scheduled to see the start-up of Train 1 in 2027 and Train 2 in 2028.