Eight people were injured in a high-pressure gas line explosion at Entergy Corporation’s Michoud plant in New Orleans, Louisiana.
One man was trapped in a 10-foot-deep trench, his body covered with debris, his face in the mud. Firefighters got his head out and gave him oxygen. They then stabilized the walls of the trench and dug him out by hand. Only 2 firefighters could fit in the trench, so a number of them took turns digging. It took about one hour. He was airlifted to a regional trauma center. Our thoughts are with this man and his family.
Six others were also taken to a hospital for treatment. One person was treated and released. No injuries were reported by emergency personnel, according to Captain Ed Holmes of the New Orleans Fire Department.
The blast happened at about 1 p.m. on July 18, 2016. The preliminary investigation found that the explosion happened when construction equipment hit a gas line that was approximately 20 inches in diameter. Investigators are still working to find out exactly why the gas line ruptured. Once that is determined, they will focus on how to prevent similar incidents.