Bechtel pauses tank work on two more projects after fatal incident

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

The company’s chairman and CEO Brendan Bechtel and its president and COO Craig Albert wrote to colleagues after the incident, which took place just before 2am on 29 April at the site in Texas.

Calling it a “tank jump form system incident”, Bechtel sent all workers home on the project after it occurred.

In their letter, Bechtel and Albert named the three men killed as Reginald Magee, Felipe Mendez, and Felix Lopez Sr.

They said, “No words are adequate to express how deeply the loss of three of our colleagues is felt. Right now, we are holding their families, friends, and coworkers in our hearts as the entire Bechtel community mourns. They have our deepest condolences and unwavering support.

“We also want to reaffirm the preciousness of every life on a Bechtel project. Ensuring that every colleague returns home safely at the end of each day is and must always be our highest calling and value. Today’s events underscore the gravity of that responsibility.”

The company said it was “cooperating fully” with OSHA and local officials as they investigate.

It has also started its own internal review to understand how the incident.

Work on the Port Arthur LNG project remains suspended until further notice. Tank work at two other projects where similar work was underway have also been paused.

In their letter, Bechtel and Albert added, “Our thoughts are with the families of Reginald, Felipe, Felix, and all our colleagues at Port Arthur. As we all process this news, we ask that you please look out for yourself and your teammates, and we urge anyone who is struggling to use our Employee Assistance Program for access to mental health and counselling resources.”