Tragic Offshore Gas Pipeline Explosion in Louisiana

An offshore natural gas pipeline explosion near Venice in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana resulted in the death of Joshua Nichols, 40, from Lake Charles. The incident is under investigation, with one pipeline still burning. The operator of the gas pipeline remains unidentified.

An offshore natural gas pipeline explosion near Venice in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, led to the death of 40-year-old Joshua Nichols from Lake Charles on Saturday, according to a statement from Louisiana State Police.

The explosion caused the natural gas pipeline to catch fire, and while one pipeline has been blocked, another remains ablaze, burning off the remaining natural gas.

A preliminary investigation found that Nichols was operating a mud boat close to the pipeline when the explosion and subsequent fire occurred. The investigation into the exact cause of the explosion is ongoing, and authorities have not yet identified the operator of the gas pipeline.

(With inputs from agencies.)