Justin Wood Killed in Gretna Oilfield Explosion

Justin Wood, a 27-year-old Gretna man was killed as the result of an oilfield explosion Friday.  Wood was working with oil field equipment when an explosion occurred during a pressure test.  Wood was working at a Supreme Services job site, 108 Southwood Road, at the time of his fatal workplace accident.

The oilfield workers were said to be using nitrogen to conduct tests at the time of the explosion, which caused a piece of pipe to blow off, striking Wood.  Wood was critically injured and transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

According to Louisiana State Police, shortly after 3:00 p.m., a pressure test was being conducted on a piece of oil field equipment. During the test, there was a malfunction with the equipment resulting in an explosion. The equipment was being tested utilizing nitrogen gas.

The explosion happened on Southwood Road in Broussard, just outside of Lafayette.  It is believed that no chemicals were released during this explosion.  This case remains under investigation.

Oil and gas facilities and refineries create surroundings in which serious personal injury or wrongful death can occur quickly. The Texas Refinery Explosion Lawyers of Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P., Accident & Injury Lawyers have handled many refinery explosion lawsuits, including helping injured workers and their families in the BP Amoco plant in Texas City in 2005.