LIBERTY, Texas — The Liberty community is grappling with grief and growing unease following a fatal industrial accident at an oilfield site near nearby China. Deputies say 68-year-old Guillermo Contreras of Liberty died Monday after being run over by the trailer of an 18-wheeler while on the site. Federal safety officials with OSHA have launched an investigation into the incident.
For months, residents living near the drilling operation have raised concerns about the site’s impact on their daily lives. “Yesterday a person died there,” said Pam Efferson, a neighbor. “About six or seven months ago, we started to feel this vibration in our homes, which was kind of weird.” Efferson added that the noise from the site intensified earlier this month, reaching levels she said made conversations impossible. “On October 20, this noise began, and it was so loud that you and I would not be able to have a conversation out here. It was over 80 decibels.”
Other neighbors have reported property damage they suspect is linked to the site’s activity. Patricia Flores said her family returned from vacation to find cracks in their home’s floor, which she believes may be connected to the drilling vibrations. Although the noise has recently subsided, many residents say Contreras’ death has heightened their fears. “For me, it was heartbreaking,” Efferson said. “I don’t know this person, but I know they had a family. And I feel like if something like that is already taking place, and there’s no oversight, there’s no one taking care of the people who live here.”
Jefferson County Commissioner Brandon Willis confirmed he has received multiple complaints regarding noise, vibrations, and odors from the site. “Those things are typical of a well site,” Willis said, “but what’s not typical in this case is the lack of information given to the residents who live right beside it.” The site is operated by Zachry Exploration, LLC, which Willis said has not responded to his outreach. “I really would have appreciated them getting out in front of this and saying, ‘Here’s what we’re doing, this is the process,’ but that didn’t happen,” he said.
12News also contacted Zachry Exploration, LLC for comment and is awaiting a response. Meanwhile, residents continue to call for increased transparency and oversight to prevent further accidents and ensure community safety.
The tragedy has left Liberty shaken, highlighting the risks associated with industrial operations located close to residential areas and underscoring the importance of communication and safety enforcement.