Offshore Pipeline Explosion near Venice, Louisiana

(Reuters) – An offshore natural gas pipeline exploded near Venice, Louisiana, on Saturday night, killing one person, as reported by the U.S. Coast Guard on Monday.

The company, Whitney Oil and Gas, was not immediately available for comment.

Victim Identification

The explosion resulted in the death of 40-year-old Joshua Nichols of Lake Charles. The pipelines have been blocked, with one remaining on fire and burning the remaining natural gas in the line, according to a statement by the Louisiana State Police on Monday.

Investigation Details

A preliminary investigation revealed that Nichols was operating a mud boat near the natural gas pipeline. For reasons still under investigation, the explosion and subsequent fire occurred while Nichols was believed to be working on the pipeline.

Nichols was a contractor for Petroleum Co-Ordinators Inc, according to the Louisiana State Police.

Coast Guard Response

The Coast Guard Sector New Orleans reported receiving an explosion and fire report on Saturday evening, near South Pass, Louisiana. The Coast Guard deployed a Station Venice boat crew and an Air Station New Orleans air crew to search the area.