Corpus Christi Pipeline Explosion From A Dredging Accident Kills 4 People And Leaves 6 Injured

On August 21, 2020, at around 8:00 am, fire crews were dispatched to a powerful explosion that rocked the Port of Corpus Christi and refinery row. The explosion occurred when the Waymon L. Boyd dredging vessel struck a propane pipeline underwater, sending flames and plumes of black smoke into the air. It was reported that 18 people, including crewmembers, were working in the general area at the time of the explosion. Initial reports stated that six people were hospitalized after the explosion; 5 people were airlifted to San Antonio to treat for severe burns and one person was taken to a local hospital and was reported to have been released the same day. 4 crew members died as a result of the explosion.

Why Do Gas Explosions Happen?

Explosions similar to the Corpus Christi dredging explosion always bring up a key principle in the offshore industry— “all accidents are preventable.” Unfortunately, many companies do not subscribe to this principle as they place profits over safety and take very risky shortcuts that can permanently impact the lives of their workers. Many common causes of offshore explosions or serious work-site injuries are:

• Inadequate employee training
• Inadequate supervision
• Negligent hiring
• Performing work in areas where all known dangers have not been discovered or marked
• Failure to warn workers of all hazards and risks
• Failure to maintain all equipment in good repair
• Failure to provide and/or use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Does The Jones Act Cover The Workers Who Were Killed Or Injured In The Corpus Christi Dredging Explosion?

Yes. The Jones Act is based on US Federal law that ensures compensation to seamen [1] or family members of a seaman who were killed or severely injured while working offshore on a vessel. Recovery for injury to or death of a person falls under Title 46 U.S.C. § 688(a), which states:

“Any seaman who shall suffer personal injury in the course of his employment may, at his election, maintain an action for damages . . . [O]f personal injury . . . [I]n case of the death of any seaman as a result of any such personal injury . . . .”

In an offshore case, many different companies may be responsible for a loved one’s injuries or loss. Currently, the name of the dredge’s owner in the Corpus Christi explosion has been disclosed—Orion Marine Group. More names will likely be revealed. Claims and/or lawsuits against sophisticated oilfield companies are unique, given the extensive investigations, fact-finding, and evidentiary aspects.

People affected by an explosion, such as the Corpus Christi Explosion, should not attempt to fight these companies alone. The Jones Act attorneys at Morrow & Sheppard possess the requisite experience, training, and resources to help family members who have seen a loved one get severely injured or killed.