Triple Fatality During Formwork “Jump” at Port Arthur LNG Site in Texas
- Apr 30, 2025
- 3 min read
30-Second Takeaway
Three men were killed and two others injured early Tuesday morning when a section of elevated formwork failed during a “jump” operation at the Port Arthur LNG construction site in Texas. The incident occurred at height during work carried out by Bechtel at the facility being built for ConocoPhillips and Sempra Infrastructure. OSHA has launched an investigation, and all work at the site was immediately stopped.
Incident Overview
A fatal formwork incident occurred at approximately 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 29, at the Port Arthur LNG plant under construction in Port Arthur, Texas.
The incident happened during a formwork jump / raising operation at elevation. A section
of the system gave way, resulting in multiple workers falling from height.
What Is Known
Location: Port Arthur LNG construction site, Texas
Date: Tuesday, April 29
Time: Approximately 2:00 a.m.
Fatalities: 3
Injured: 2 (released from hospital)
Fall height: Approximately 20 metres
Main contractor: Bechtel
Project owners/developers: ConocoPhillips and Sempra Infrastructure
The men who died have been identified as:
Felix Jose Lopez, 42
Reginald Magee, 41
Felipe Mendez, 25
Two additional workers survived after managing to hold on during the failure.
Crane and Rigging Involvement
At this stage, the exact role of a tower crane remains unclear.
Conflicting early reports suggest either:
The crane was lifting the formwork section during the jump operation, or
A load may have been dropped onto the formwork, triggering the failure
No official confirmation has been released, and both scenarios remain unverified.
Investigators will determine whether crane operations, rigging, or load transfer played a role.
Official Statements
Bechtel (Main Contractor)
Bechtel issued the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened to confirm a tank jump form system incident occurred at elevation 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. Supporting those impacted and ensuring site safety remain our top priorities. Further information will be shared as it becomes available.”
Sempra Infrastructure (Project Owner)
Sempra Infrastructure added:
“At approximately 2am on Tuesday 29 April, an incident occurred at the Port Arthur LNG construction site involving employees of engineering, procurement and construction contractor, Bechtel. Three fatalities have been reported and two others who were injured have been released from the hospital. Our condolences go out to the families of those who lost their lives as well as those who are injured.”
Investigation Status
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has launched a formal investigation.
The investigation is expected to examine:
Formwork system design and condition
Jump / climbing procedure
Rigging configuration
Crane involvement, if any
Sequencing of operations
Supervision and permit controls
All work at the site remains suspended.
Why Formwork “Jump” Operations Are High Risk
Jumping or climbing formwork systems involve:
Temporary load paths
Multiple suspension points
Critical rigging interfaces
Workers operating at height during system movement
Failures during these operations often occur due to:
Load redistribution
Rigging errors
Incomplete locking or engagement
Unexpected movement during lifting or transfer
When failures occur, fall distances are often unsurvivable.
Industry Reminder
Formwork jump systems are among the most complex and unforgiving operations in industrial construction. When something goes wrong at elevation, consequences escalate instantly.
This tragic incident underscores the need for absolute discipline in planning, rigging, and execution, particularly on large-scale energy projects.
Editorial Note
Crane Hub Global reports on crane, lifting, and access-related incidents to support industry awareness and prevention. Where facts remain unconfirmed, this is clearly stated. This article will be updated as verified information is released.
How Incidents Like This Can Be Prevented
Engineered Jump Procedures
Formwork climbing operations must addresse temporary load cases, not just final configurations.
Crane and Rigging Integration
If cranes are involved, rigging design and verification are critical before movement begins.
Lock-Off and Engagement Verification
All locking, anchoring, and engagement points must be verified before personnel exposure.
Clear Lift Authority
Only one controlling authority should direct movement during jump operations.
Exclusion and Fall Protection
Personnel exposure should be minimised during movement phases wherever possible.
