Three Houston workers killed by hydrogen sulfide leak during sewer repair
A hydrogen sulfide gas leak claimed the lives of three Houston-area workers on Wednesday, as they were working on sewer repairs in Trinity County. CBS 19 News and Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace reported that the gas leak was contained to a manhole, and after ensuring safety, first responders began the recovery efforts.
According to CBS 19 News, it was found that a cracked line led one crew member to enter the manhole to cap it, which rendered him unconscious. Another crew member attempted to assist him but also lost consciousness, followed by a third member trying to rescue them.
The victims, ages 46, 47, and 52, were contracted workers from H20 Innovations and Hydroclear Services and were based in the greater Houston area. Their identities have not been disclosed.
OSHA will conduct an investigation of the incident, with more details expected to be released on what led to the toxic gas leak.
A shelter-in-place order was initially established within a quarter mile of the Westwood Shores sewer plant where the fatal incident occurred, and was later lifted.
H2O Innovation President and CEO Frédéric Dugré issued a statement Wednesday evening following the tragic incident:
“This is a profoundly difficult day for our team. Earlier today, two H2O Innovation employees and a contractor lost their lives in a tragic work accident. They were valued members of our team, and their sudden passing is an immense loss not only to their families and friends but also to all of us who had the privilege of working alongside them," Dugré said. "We are working closely with the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office and other local officials. Safety and training are incredibly important to us."
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