Three workers feared dead after explosion at Williams gas facility in Louisiana

An explosion today at a natural gas plant in Gibson killed three, injured several and prompted authorities to advise nearby residents to remain inside their homes.

Two workers were treated for injuries at a hospital and might be taken to a special burn unit in Baton Rouge, the sheriff said.

Officials added once the area is secured, the investigation will begin to determine the cause of the explosion.

The company says the facility was shut down when the explosion erupted and that there was no gas flowing through its pipeline system.

The company said the maintenance work involved a “slug catcher”, a tank created to separate liquids and impurities from the natural gas stream.

“Five were unaccounted for”, Harrell said, the two injured and three workers now reported dead.

Company officials’ initial assessment of the incident determined it didn’t appear that the explosion was caused by a rupture in the pipeline. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families at this very critical time”.

Williams also owned a plant in Gesimar, Louisiana, that experienced an explosion in June 2013. The company paid a federal fine of $36,000 for safety violations.

Editor’s Note: Earlier versions of this story indicated that the pipeline was the Gulfstream pipeline. Spectra Energy and its respective affiliates own the other 50 percent, according to Williams’ website.