PORT ARTHUR —
A 65-year-old man from Orange died Tuesday at the Port Arthur Total Petrochemicals Plant when he became trapped as he was digging a fire water distribution trench around 2:15 p.m.
The man, whose name has not been released pending family notification, was performing construction at the plant at the time on behalf of Mason Construction. He was taken to Christus St. Mary Hospital and pronounced dead by the medical staff, according to a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office press release.
“The person in question was a good employee,” said Chad Mason, vice president of administration at Mason Construction. “He had been with the company for 30 years.”
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was notified of the accident around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. The investigation is ongoing. The Total Petrochemicals & Refining Inc. is located at 7600 32nd Street.
“It is a very sad event. We regret the loss to the community,” said Tim Coffy, senior manager of public affairs at Total. “Our hearts go out to his family.”
