Deadly Blast Rocks US Steel’s Clairton Coke Works
This morning, a devastating explosion tore through the US Steel Clairton Coke Works plant, a massive industrial site along the Monongahela River just south of Pittsburgh. The incident, which happened around 10:30 a.m., left at least one person dead, 10 others injured, and one worker still unaccounted for. Rescue teams rushed in immediately, with some individuals reportedly trapped under rubble. One of the two initially missing workers was later found and taken to a hospital, but the search for the remaining person continues.
The Clairton Coke Works is known as the largest coking facility in North America, where raw coal is converted into coke, an essential component in steel production. The explosion, according to officials, involved at least two coke oven batteries, both of which have now been shut down. Scott Buckiso, executive vice president for US Steel, described the plant as “stable” apart from the damaged sections, and emphasized that the top priority remains the safety and well-being of employees and the surrounding community.
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Authorities have not yet determined what caused the blast, and investigations are underway with cooperation from local agencies, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and US Steel’s own safety teams. Governor Josh Shapiro said on social media that “multiple explosions” had occurred and confirmed that his office has been in constant contact with labor leaders and local officials. He urged nearby residents to heed all safety instructions.
Out of caution, the Allegheny County Health Department advised people within a one-mile radius to stay indoors, close windows, and set air systems to recirculate. While air quality monitors have not detected dangerous levels of pollutants like PM2.5 or sulfur dioxide, officials stressed the need to avoid outdoor activities that could draw in outside air. The explosion sent a thick plume of smoke into the sky, lingering for more than 25 minutes, and was captured on video by a local environmental group.
The injured workers were taken to multiple hospitals across the region. Five have already been discharged, while others remain in trauma care. Union officials from the United Steelworkers confirmed that their occupational health and safety experts are on-site, ensuring members receive both medical attention and representation during the investigation.
For now, the plant remains partially shut down, the community is shaken, and workers’ families are anxiously awaiting word on the missing employee. As one steelworker described it, the blast was so loud it sounded “like two trains colliding.” The tragedy has drawn heartfelt statements from local leaders, including Representative Summer Lee, who expressed deep gratitude to first responders and medical teams.
The full cause of the explosion may take time to uncover, but officials have made it clear—preventing anything like this from happening again will be a priority. The investigation and rescue efforts remain active tonight.
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