Three workers have died following a tank jump form system collapse at a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal under construction in Port Arthur, Texas. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning at the site of Sempra’s Port Arthur LNG export facility, approximately 90 miles east of Houston. According to authorities, the tank jump form system gave way around 2:00 am local time while workers were operating near the top of a concrete LNG containment tank. Three men fell several storeys and suffered fatal injuries. Two additional workers were injured and temporarily stranded but have since been treated and released from hospital. Local media have identified the deceased as Felipe Mendez, 25; Felix Lopez, 42; and Dontrell Magee, 41. Magee was reportedly alive when emergency responders arrived but died later in hospital, according to Jefferson County officials. The prime contractor for the site, engineering giant Bechtel, has suspended all operations at the facility while it conducts an internal review. In a statement, the company described the event as a “tank jump form system incident” and said it was cooperating fully with investigating authorities. “We are heartbroken by the loss of our colleagues,” the statement read. “We have paused work at the site and are focusing on supporting the families and our workforce.” Images from the scene show a partial section of the circular tank jump form system still hanging from the containment structure, indicating a failure along one side.
Construction on the $13 billion Port Arthur LNG terminal began in 2023. The project is set to be one of the largest of its kind in the U.S., with Phase 1 expected to include two liquefaction trains and an annual export capacity of 13 million tonnes.
The facility is strategically located on the Sabine-Neches Ship Channel, near Golden Pass and Sabine Pass LNG terminals.
Port Arthur LNG’s output is fully contracted under long-term agreements with energy companies, including ConocoPhillips, RWE, PKN Orlen, INEOS, and Engie. Completion of the first phase is projected for 2027 or 2028, with thousands of workers currently involved in its construction
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is expected to launch a formal investigation into the collapse. 
With just 1.8 metres of usable space on the footpath for the scaffold base—and no encroachment allowed onto the road—counterbalance became a key challenge.
To solve this, Sky deployed 20 tonnes of specially purchased flat steel ballast, chosen for its high density. This approach allowed maximum counterweight performance within minimal space. The ballast was positioned with precision to achieve structural stability by maximising the lever arm of the cantilever—demonstrating the level of innovation required to work within tight spatial constraints.
The scaffold itself was constructed using the world-renowned Layher Allround system, which provided the flexibility, load capacity, and efficiency required for such a complex structure. The system’s modularity enabled a custom configuration tailored to the bridge’s historic form.
Crucially, the scaffold’s engineering and safety design was carried out by SDC Scaffold Design Consultants Ltd, who worked closely with Sky to deliver a scheme that met both structural demands and heritage preservation requirements.
Pedestrian safety was a top priority, with segregated walkways, protective barriers, and clearly marked signage in place. Night-time road closures were used for scaffold installation and maintenance to avoid daytime traffic disruption.
“This was one of the most technically demanding scaffolds we’ve delivered,” said a spokesperson from Sky Scaffolding Midlands Ltd. “The combination of the Layher Allround system and the expertise of SDC Scaffold Design Consultants Ltd made it possible to deliver a solution that balances heritage protection with public convenience.”
The restoration works are expected to conclude in Spring 2025. By maintaining full use of the bridge while supporting intricate repair work, the project has already been hailed as a model of engineering excellence and cross-disciplinary collaboration. 
“We’ve listened to our people, and their input has help shape this entire project.” said Nick. “Our objective was to introduce a simple way of communicating good practices and what better way is there to show ‘what good looks like’ than through pictures. Simple, effective communication and engagement with the workforce is key to changing behaviours, which is paramount to a safe and risk free working environment.”
The campaign builds on TRAD UK’s broader efforts to promote safety within its business and wider operations, including developing the TRAD Operative Training Scheme (TOTS), and the introduction of the Personal Engagement Programme (PEP), while achieving FORS accreditation at all of its depots. The company has also reported over one million man-hours without a reportable accident and no lost time injury incidents since May 2022.
The booklets have been widely welcomed across the workforce, with positive feedback from operatives, yard managers and drivers alike. The Transport edition, completed in early 2025, includes QR codes linking to further resources from TRAD UK, Altrad, the HSE and industry bodies.
TRAD UK’s campaign also earned the 2024 FASET Health, Safety and Environmental Achievement Award, highlighting its impact into the broader construction and access sector. 
