Reggie McGee, 41-Year-Old Houston Worker, Among Three Fatalities in Port Arthur LNG Scaffolding Collapse
Reggie McGee, 41-Year-Old Houston Worker, Among Three Fatalities in Port Arthur LNG Scaffolding Collapse; Two Others Injured at Sempra-Bechtel Construction Site in Sabine Pass
In the early hours of Tuesday, April 29, 2025, a catastrophic scaffolding collapse occurred at the Port Arthur LNG construction site in Sabine Pass, Texas. The incident resulted in the deaths of three construction workers and left two others injured. The collapse took place around 2:00 a.m. during overnight work involving a “tank jump form system” at elevation. The scaffolding system, spanning approximately 8 to 12 feet across three levels, failed catastrophically, leading to a section detaching and causing the workers to fall.
Victims Identified
The victims have been identified as:
- Reggie McGee, 41, from Houston, Texas.
- A 41-year-old man, also from Houston, Texas, who succumbed to injuries after suffering cardiac arrest and being transported to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont.
- Two other workers, whose identities have not been publicly released.
Two surviving workers sustained injuries but were released from medical care after receiving treatment.
Details of the Collapse
The collapse occurred during work involving a “tank jump form system” at elevation. Bechtel, the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for the site, described the incident as a catastrophic failure within the scaffolding system. A section of scaffolding, spanning approximately 8 to 12 feet across three levels, collapsed and detached, causing the workers to fall.
Captain Crystal Holmes of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that only three workers fell completely to the ground. An eyewitness account from the site described the scaffolding as now hanging at a 45-degree angle, partially disconnected but still loosely attached to the large concrete tank structure. From a vantage point on Texas Highway 82 across the ship channel, the damaged scaffolding was visible, along with a flapping rigging strap still attached to a crane’s hook block.
This has raised concerns that a suspended load may have fallen or slipped, possibly striking the scaffold and triggering the collapse. However, investigators have not confirmed whether the strap or any falling material played a role in the incident.
Emergency Response and Medical Care
Emergency services responded swiftly, including City Ambulance and personnel from Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital. The two surviving workers who sustained injuries have since been released from medical care, according to Sempra Infrastructure.
Investigation and Company Response
Bechtel has suspended all work at the site and is cooperating fully with local authorities as investigations continue. The company has also launched its own internal review to determine the cause of the collapse. Bechtel emphasized its commitment to supporting the affected families and maintaining site safety. No timetable has been announced for the site’s reopening. (Workers fall from scaffolding at Port Arthur LNG project site, leaving 3 dead and 2 injured)
Broader Implications and Industry Concerns
This incident underscores the inherent risks associated with large-scale construction projects, particularly those involving complex scaffolding systems at significant elevations. The failure of such a system raises critical questions about safety protocols, equipment integrity, and the adequacy of risk assessments in high-risk construction environments.
The construction industry has faced similar incidents in the past, highlighting the need for stringent safety measures and continuous oversight. For instance, investigations into previous scaffolding collapses have revealed lapses in safety planning, inadequate risk assessments, and failures in equipment maintenance. These recurring issues point to systemic challenges in ensuring worker safety on construction sites.
Conclusion
The tragic scaffolding collapse at the Port Arthur LNG construction site has resulted in the loss of three lives and raised serious concerns about construction site safety. As investigations continue, it is imperative that the industry examines the root causes of such incidents and implements comprehensive measures to prevent future tragedies. The lives of Reggie McGee and his colleagues must serve as a somber reminder of the critical importance of safety in construction.
