Louisiana State Police are investigating after a deadly pipeline explosion.
"The explosion resulted in the death of 40-year-old Joshua Nichols of Lake Charles," Sgt. Kate Stegall said in a news release.
It happened Saturday night near Venice in Plaquemines Parish. The explosion led to a fire too.
"The preliminary investigation revealed that Nichols was operating a mud boat near a natural gas pipeline. For reasons still under investigation, an explosion and fire occurred while Nichols was believed to be working on the pipeline. Nichols died as a result, and with the assistance of the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office, his body was recovered in the area of the incident."
There were no other injuries.
"The pipelines have been blocked, and one remains on fire, burning the remaining natural gas in the line."
Stegalls says air monitor readings were conducted, and there is no threat to the public.
"This incident remains under investigation."
