A devastating incident at the Beaumont Clean Ammonia site in Texas has resulted in the death of a construction contractor employee.
The accident occurred around 8:30 a.m. CDT on Thursday during ongoing work activities at the facility, which is owned by Woodside Energy and managed by OCI.
Woodside Energy CEO Meg O’Neill expressed her condolences, stating: “This is a very sad day, and I offer my deepest sympathy to our colleague’s family, friends, and workmates.”
She emphasised that the safety of their workforce remains the company’s top priority.
In the wake of the tragedy, Woodside has taken swift action:
- All other personnel at the site have been accounted for and are reported safe
- A full work stoppage has been implemented at the facility
- Senior Woodside management is en route to the Beaumont site
- Support is being provided to employees in Beaumont, Texas
O’Neill confirmed that steps are being taken to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Woodside is collaborating closely with:
- Relevant authorities and regulators
- OCI
- The contractor company
A comprehensive investigation will be initiated to determine the cause of the accident and prevent future occurrences.
The Beaumont Clean Ammonia site is a recent acquisition by Woodside Energy, announced earlier this week.
The US$2.35 billion project involves the purchase of an ammonia production facility currently under construction, with plans to produce lower-carbon ammonia using carbon sequestration starting in 2026.
As this tragic event unfolds, the focus remains on supporting those affected and ensuring the safety of all workers involved in the project.
Updates on the investigation and any resulting safety measures are expected to follow as more information becomes available.
