A tragic industrial accident in Assumption Parish, Louisiana, resulted in the death of one worker and injuries to two others. The incident happened during a pressure test at a plant in the Belle Rose area. Authorities and safety agencies are now investigating what caused the equipment failure that led to the deadly accident.
Industrial Accident Reported at Assumption Parish Plant
The incident took place on Sunday, February 22, at around 3:40 p.m. at the GIE plant located at the end of Grand Bayou Road in Belle Rose, Louisiana.
According to Assumption Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness Director Paul LeBlanc, emergency crews responded after reports of a serious accident involving workers performing a pressure test.
At the time of the incident, two contractors and one plant employee were working on a brine well that was not in service.
Hose Breaks Loose During Pressure Test
Officials said the workers were conducting a pressure test on a valve connected to the brine well when a mechanical failure occurred.
During the test:
- A fitting failed
- The failure caused a hose to break loose
- The hose then struck the workers involved in the test
The impact resulted in severe injuries to the three workers involved in the operation.
One Worker Killed in the Incident
Authorities confirmed that Keith Foreman, 60, a contractor from the Lafayette area, died in the accident.
The two other workers — another contractor and a plant employee — were injured during the incident.
Emergency responders quickly transported the injured workers from the scene. Due to the seriousness of their injuries, both were airlifted to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge for treatment.
Injured Workers Treated and Released
According to a spokesperson for the company, both injured workers received medical care and were later treated and released from the hospital.
Officials say the two workers are expected to make a full recovery.
Company Issues Statement After Accident
Following the incident, the company released a statement confirming that an investigation is underway.
In the statement, the company said the event involved contractors and one employee and is currently being reviewed.
The company also noted that it had recently taken over operations services from another company within the past month. Many of the workers at the facility had already been working at the site for a long time before the transition.
Officials believe the accident may have been caused by an isolated mechanical failure, though the exact cause has not yet been confirmed.
Cause of Death Pending Autopsy
Authorities said the exact cause of Keith Foreman’s death will be determined following an autopsy.
The examination will be conducted by Assumption Parish Coroner Dr. Keith Landry.
The results of the autopsy will help investigators better understand the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
State and Federal Agencies Investigating
Multiple agencies are now involved in the investigation to determine exactly what went wrong.
The Louisiana State Police Hazardous Materials Unit is leading the investigation into the incident. In addition, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been notified and may conduct its own safety review.
Investigators will examine equipment, procedures, and safety protocols used during the pressure test.
