Officials believe that the worker missing after the Phillips 66 pipeline explosion in Paradis Thursday is deceased, based on information gathered thus far in their investigation.
The worker’s identify has been verified as Josh Helms of Thibodaux, a Phillips 66 employee who joined that company last November. Helms has been working as a pipeliner for the last eight years.
“Mr. Helm’s family, friends and coworkers are in our thoughts and prayers,” St. Charles Parish President Larry Cochran said.
The explosion rocked the Paradis community at around 7 p.m. Thursday night while six employees were on the scene performing routine maintenance. The pipeline is located adjacent to Old Spanish Trail.
Responders have not yet been able to access the area closest to the fire to search for the employee that is unaccounted for. An investigation is still ongoing.
According to Phillips 66, the fire is contained and continues to burn at a reduced size while measures are being implemented to safely access the impacted area. Representatives from the site told the Sheriff’s Office Thursday that the fire resulting from the explosion could possibly burn for a couple days.
Todd Denton, general manager of midstream operations for Phillips 66, said of the five other workers at the scene that two emerged from the accident without needing treatment, while two others were admitted to the hospital and subsequently released. The fifth was still hospitalized as of Saturday afternoon, but is expected to make a full recovery.
Ongoing air monitoring of the area indicates no health impacts to the surrounding community, according to Phillips 66 officials.
An evacuation order for six local homes was lifted Friday morning and residents were allowed to return home.
A portion of Old Spanish Trail (Hwy. 631) remains closed to thru traffic.
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