BEAUMONT, Texas — Deputies with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office are investigating after an accident involving a train claimed the life of a Beaumont man at ExxonMobil.
It happened on Friday, October 28, 2022. Deputies responded to an emergency call at the Beaumont Lubricant Blending and Packaging Plant, which is part of ExxonMobil, shortly after midnight.
The plant is located in the 2700 block of Sycamore Street.
At this time, it is unclear what led to the deadly railcar accident. The victim involved was identified as Richard Garza, 66.
Garza was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the release. Judge Ransom Jones has ordered an autopsy.
Garza was a PSC Group employee. PSC, "provides product handling services, logistics, railcar repair, and sustainability solutions for the chemical, refining, and marine transportation industries," according to their website.
The company released a statement regarding Friday's incident saying in part, "We are deeply saddened to report the death of one of our employees, who was working at ExxonMobil’s Blending and Packaging Plant in Beaumont, Texas."
A PSC representative said the thoughts and prayers of Garza's fellow employees are with his family at this time.
"The company’s emergency response procedures were activated and followed, and our team immediately began an investigation," a PSC representative said. "The appropriate authorities were notified and are on the scene. We are fully cooperating with their investigation."
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is working with the NTSB, OSHA, and FRA to investigate the accident.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
GET NEWS & WEATHER ALERTS | Download the 12News App to your mobile device
From a Jefferson County Sheriff's Office release;
Subject: Railcar Accident Claims the Life of a Beaumont Man
This morning, 10/28/2022, at 12:08 a.m., Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an emergency call at the Beaumont Lubricant Blending and Packaging Plant located in the 2700 block of Sycamore Street in Beaumont, Texas.
A 66-year old male contractor, identified as Richard Garza of Beaumont, Texas, had been involved in a railcar accident. He was deceased at the scene. Judge Ransom Duce Jones ordered an autopsy. Next of kin has been notified.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is working with the NTSB, OSHA and FRA in conducting the Investigation.