Louisiana man killed in pipeline explosion near Venice

PLAQUEMINES PARISH, La. (WGNO) — A Lake Charles man was killed after the pipeline he’s believed to have been working on exploded near Venice on Saturday, Aug. 17.

The Louisiana State Police Emergency Services Unit reports its troopers were made aware of the explosion, fire and a missing person just after 8 p.m. on Saturday.

On Sunday, Aug. 18, troopers and deputies with the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office recovered the body of 40-year-old Joshua Nichols. The LSP unit believes he was on a mud boat and may have been working on the natural gas pipeline when it exploded.

According to the LSP, the pipelines have been blocked. Though, one remains on fire, burning the remaining natural gas in the line. Air monitor readings indicated that there’s no threat to the public.

No other injuries were reported. The LSP will be investigating the explosion.