Deer Park mayor says September pipeline explosion at Houston Landing that killed driver Jonathan McEvoy was ‘not an accident’

DEER PARK, Texas (KTRK) — Leaders in Deer Park and La Porte reportedly said the massive pipeline explosion that lasted more than three days and destroyed homes in September was not an accident.

According to this one Article published Wednesday in Houston Landing.

The explosion occurred on September 16 after a driver hit an above-ground pipeline valve, causing a massive fire. The driver, identified as 51-year-old Jonathan McEvoy, died.

PREVIOUS REPORT: Remains of 51-year-old man identified in Deer Park pipeline explosion and days-long fire, police say

Deer Park Mayor Jerry Mouton Jr. In a statement to Landing, he said: “This was a criminal investigation because for all intents and purposes it was a deliberate act. You don’t get to the location of that car by chance. It was not an accident.”

La Porte Emergency Management Coordinator Johnny Morales told Landing the crash was “non-medical in nature” but did not provide further details.

ABC13 previously spoke with McEvoy’s ex-wife. He said he had a seizure and believed it may have caused him to run off the road.

The exact cause of death of the driver could not be determined.

In response to the Landing report, the City of Deer Park sent ABC13 a clarifying statement, claiming the mayor meant to say the crash was a medical emergency or an intentional act, which is why the incident was being handled as a criminal investigation.

Deer Park Police Department announced that the investigation is ongoing.

Here is City of Deer Park’s full statement:

“This is a disclosure statement by the City of Deer Park regarding the Houston Landing article published today regarding the Energy Transfer Pipeline incident that occurred in September 2024.

It has not yet been determined whether this was an intentional incident. The Deer Park Police Department will not be able to conclude the criminal investigation until we receive the Medical Examiner’s report. The case is still ongoing. Until the criminal aspect of the investigation is completed, we will have no additional information beyond what has already been disclosed.

Once we receive notification that the investigation has been completed, I will personally email you a copy of the statement.

To verify the use of the word “accident” in the Houston Landing article: The Mayor was trying to point out that this was not a person driving a vehicle who lost control of the steering wheel, as the car came from the Walmart parking lot. This would have to be a medical emergency or an intentional criminal act. Therefore, it is being treated as a criminal investigation to rule out any criminal negligence in the case. The criminal investigation CANNOT be completely closed until the Deer Park Police Department receives a report from the Forensic Examiner.

“Once again, we will have no additional information (other than what has already been released) until the investigation is concluded.”

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Commissioners investigate pipeline fire prevention after Deer Park explosion