Undefeated Texas Work Accident Lawyers
Three workers were tragically killed Wednesday evening in Trinity, Texas, after being overcome by highly-toxic hydrogen sulfide gas while repairing a lift station.
1 Worker Knocked Unconscious by H2S Gas, 2 More Die Trying to Save Him
According to the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, the men — two employees of H2O Innovation and a contractor — were working on a motor at a sewer lift station when sewage began backing into their work area. One worker entered a manhole to stop the flow but was quickly knocked unconscious by hydrogen sulfide gas.
A second worker entered the manhole to rescue him and was also overcome. A third worker rushed in to help but tragically suffered the same fate. Officials reported that the third man’s personal gas monitor alarm was sounding “H2S” — hydrogen sulfide — at the time of his collapse.
Emergency crews had to wait for specialized resources before recovering the men. All three bodies were recovered by 6:30 p.m. The incident triggered an immediate shelter-in-place order for nearby residents, which was lifted hours later.
Officials confirmed the gas was produced by raw sewage decomposition inside the manhole, stating there was no immediate risk to the public.
The Hidden Dangers of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Gas
Hydrogen sulfide — commonly known as “sewer gas” — is one of the deadliest workplace hazards in Texas. Even brief exposure to high concentrations can cause rapid unconsciousness, permanent injury, or death. At lower levels, prolonged exposure can lead to lasting health effects, including lung damage, neurological issues, and eye injury.
Because H2S is heavier than air, it collects in confined spaces like manholes — the exact conditions that led to this week’s tragedy.
According to OSHA, hydrogen sulfide exposure has killed dozens of Texas workers in the last decade, including at least 60 deaths in the oil and gas industry alone. These incidents continue to rise across multiple sectors, despite being entirely preventable when companies follow proper safety procedures and confined space entry protocols.
How Zehl & Associates Fights for Workers and Families Harmed by Toxic Gas Exposure
At Zehl & Associates, we’ve stood up for workers and families devastated by toxic gas releases and chemical exposures across Texas and the Gulf Coast. Our recent cases include:
- 2024: Representing workers injured in a Shell plant explosion and chemical release.
- 2025: Representing families of workers killed in a Pemex toxic gas release.
- 2025: Representing workers and residents harmed by the Smitty’s Supply chemical plant explosion and toxic release.
Our undefeated work accident lawyers in Texas are committed to standing up for families devastated by entirely preventable H2S leaks and toxic releases. We never back down in our fight to hold companies fully accountable and to ensure workers and their loved ones aren’t left to carry the financial and emotional burden of these tragedies.
No family should ever have to shoulder the costs of a disaster that should have been prevented. That’s why we do whatever it takes to stand up, fight, and win.
Undefeated Texas Work Injury Lawyers: 1-888-603-3636
Having won Billions, including the largest verdicts and settlements in U.S. history on behalf of industrial workers, our undefeated Texas work injury lawyers have the resources and experience to ensure the victims of H2S exposure and their families receive the maximum compensation possible. And we don’t just win — we set records.
If you or a loved one were injured or tragically killed in an oilfield accident or explosion, you must act quickly to protect your rights and your future. Please call 1-888-603-3636 or Click Here to submit a confidential email through our “Contact Us” form.
Your consultation is completely free, and because we only represent clients for a contingency fee, you won’t pay anything unless we win your case.
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
Open 24 hours
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000
Open 24 hours