2 Dead, 10 Injured After US Steel Plant Explosion Near Pittsburgh

Two workers were killed and at least 10 other people 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.

First responders found one person alive in the debris hours after the explosion and later in the evening reported finding the second person they had been searching for deceased, bringing the death toll to two.

There were multiple secondary explosions at the Clairton plant 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.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation. The Allegheny County Police Department homicide unit 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. Nippon Steel of Japan acquired U.S. Steel on June 18.

Topics USA