PLAQUEMINES PARISH, La. — The body of a pipeline worker who went missing after an explosion near Venice in Plaquemines Parish was found, according to the New Orleans Coast Guard.
State police said 40-year-old Joshua Nichols of Lake Charles died from the explosion.
The Coast Guard Sector in New Orleans said they received a report of the explosion on Saturday evening. They said a "contractor aboard a 17-foot mud boat was working on a pipeline in the area and was reported missing," in a release.
A Coast Guardsmen boat and aircrew went out to search for Nichols' body. The Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office found his body near the explosion site around 10 a.m. on Sunday.
The sheriff's office said the Louisiana State Police is investigating the explosion and pipeline aspect of the incident.
Nichols was working on the boat around 8 p.m. near a natural gas pipeline when the explosion and fire occurred, state police said.
"The pipelines have been blocked, and one remains on fire, burning the remaining natural gas in the line. Air monitor readings were conducted, and there is no threat to the public," LSP said in a release.
The cause of the explosion is unknown at this time. No other individuals were injured.
No further information is available. The incident remains under investigation. This is a developing story and we are working to get more information.
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