Plaquemines Parish, LA – A 40-year-old man from Lake Charles was killed following an offshore pipeline explosion near Venice on Saturday evening.
Joshua Nichols was operating a mud boat near a natural gas pipeline when the explosion occurred at approximately 8:00 p.m. The Louisiana State Police Emergency Services Unit (ESU) was alerted to the situation, and responders arrived on the scene Sunday to investigate. Preliminary findings suggest that the explosion and subsequent fire took place while Nichols was believed to be working on the pipeline. Nichols did not survive the blast, and his body was recovered with assistance from the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office. No other injuries were reported.
Officials have blocked the affected pipelines, though one remains on fire as it burns off the remaining natural gas. Air quality readings were conducted, and authorities confirmed that there is no public threat. The incident remains under investigation by the Louisiana State Police
