An explosion at the US Steel Clairton Coke Works plant near Pittsburgh on Monday killed one, injured dozens and left several people trapped beneath rubble, officials said. Emergency teams were on site working to rescue those still caught in the debris.“There are no confirmed fatalities at the Clairton Coke Works,” said Abigail Gardner, director of communications for Allegheny County. The county’s Emergency Services confirmed that a fire broke out at the plant around 10:51 am. Five people were taken to the hospital. The agency described the situation as an “active scene.”

About the facility

The Clairton plant is a major industrial facility located along the Monongahela River near Pittsburgh. It is the largest coking operation in North America and one of four significant US Steel plants in Pennsylvania, employing several thousand workers.The plant has faced safety issues in the past. In February, a battery malfunction led to a buildup of combustible material that ignited, causing a loud explosion. Two workers suffered minor eye injuries.Clairton has also been under scrutiny for environmental pollution. In 2019, US Steel settled a lawsuit from 2017 by agreeing to pay $8.5 million. Part of the settlement required the company to invest $6.5 million to reduce soot emissions and unpleasant odours from the facility. Additional lawsuits have accused the company of violating clean air laws, especially after a 2018 fire damaged pollution control equipment at the plant. Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro also acknowledged the incident on his social media platform X.“My Administration is in touch with local officials in Clairton, PA as they respond to an explosion at US Steel Clairton Coke Works plant this morning, ” Shapiro said. “PEMAHQ and PAStatePolice are in touch with first responders and have offered all assistance. The scene is still active, and folks nearby should follow the direction of local authorities. Please join Lori and me in praying for the Clairton community, ” he added.