An explosion at the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works about 15 miles southeast of Pittsburgh has left one dead and at least 10 injured, with some people still trapped under the rubble as emergency workers on site trying to rescue victims.
Allegheny County Emergency Services said the explosion at the plant began at approximately 10:51 a.m, when emergency medical services received a call for an “ongoing situation” at the plant for a potential mass casualty event, per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
A Level 3 Mass Casualty incident was declared and more resources across the region were deployed, with officials asking residents to stay away from the scene so emergency workers could respond. The Allegheny County Health Department also advised people who lived within a mile of the plant to stay inside.
Allegheny County Emergency Services spokesperson Kasey Reigner told local affiliate WPXI-TV that “dozens were injured” in the blast, adding that two people were missing as crews searched for those trapped. The explosion sent black smoke into the sky in the Monongahela Valley. Reigner, said one person died in the explosion and multiple other people were treated for injuries. Several of those injured were taken to hospitals. Allegheny Health Network said it was receiving patients at several of its hospitals, and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center said two patients were taken to Mercy Hospital.
U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works is a massive industrial facility along the Monongahela River south of Pittsburgh, and considered the largest coking operation in North America. It is one of four major U.S. Steel plants in Pennsylvania that employ several thousand workers. The plant converts coal to coke, a key component in the steel-making process. To make coke, coal is baked in special ovens for hours at high temperatures to remove impurities that could otherwise weaken steel. The process creates what’s known as coke gas — made up of a lethal mix of methane, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.
U.S. Steel issued the following statement Monday afternoon following the explosion: “Around 11 a.m. ET on Monday, August 11, an incident occurred at U. S. Steel’s Clairton Plant, specifically at coke oven batteries 13 and 14. Emergency teams were immediately dispatched to the scene. Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of our employees and the environment. We are working closely with relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the incident and will provide additional updates as they become available. Nearly 1,300 dedicated men and women work at the Clairton Plant each day, performing their jobs with the utmost safety. During times like this, U. S. Steel employees come together to extend their love, prayers, and support to everyone affected.’”
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro posted on X: “Multiple explosions occurred today at U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works in Clairton, PA. Since then, my Administration has been in constant contact with labor leaders and local officials, and I’ve spoken with@ACE_Innamorato to reiterate that the Commonwealth is here to provide any resources needed. Injured employees have now been transported to local hospitals to receive care, and search-and-rescue efforts remain active at the plant. If you’re in the area, continue to follow the instructions of local authorities. Lori and I are eternally thankful for the bravery of our first responders — and we continue to pray for the entire Clairton community.”
Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman also wrote on X: “UPDATE: I was just on-site at the Clairton Coke Works. I’ve been talking with USW and US Steel officials to get more information. There is an active search and rescue underway, dozens injured, and per police there’s at least one unaccounted for.”
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