1 Dead, 10 Injured, 1 Missing After US Steel Plant Explosion Near Pittsburgh

One person was killed and at least 10 others hospitalized with injuries after an explosion at a U.S. Steel plant outside of Pittsburgh on Monday.

According to Allegheny County Emergency Services, the explosion happened inside a battery operating area at the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works. The fire at the plant started around 10:51 a.m.

A search and rescue effort continued into Monday evening as one employee was still missing.

There were multiple secondary explosions but they did not cause any major injuries, officials said.

County Executive Sara Innamorato said that a total of 14 local fire departments and 20 emergency medical services responded to the scene. Two medics were taken to an area hospital for evaluation. An air quality public health advisory was issued but later lifted.

The cause of the explosion was under investigation. The Allegheny County Police Department will lead the investigation in conjunction with the Allegheny County Fire Marshal and ATF.

“We are heartbroken to share that a U. S. Steel colleague lost their life today,” David B. Burritt, president and chief executive officer of U.S. Steel Corp., said in a statement. “And we have other employees who are injured and one we’re still searching for. To the families affected, our hearts are with you. We are committed to providing every possible resource and support during this unimaginably difficult time. The work we do is important and often challenging, but it should never, under any circumstances, come at the expense of safety.”

Burritt said counselors are available at the site.

The Clairton Coke Works is a large industrial facility along the Monongahela River south of Pittsburgh. It is considered the largest coking operation in North America.

Topics USA