Chemical Safety Board to Investigate Fatal US Steel Facility Explosion

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) said today that it is investigating the fatal explosions and fires at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works plant in Clairton, Pennsylvania, that occurred on Monday.

Two people were killed in the explosion, and at least 10 others were injured and sent to area hospitals for medical treatment.

“The CSB will work to determine the cause of this tragic incident and identify actions that can be taken to help ensure that a similar disaster like this does not happen again,” CSB Chairperson Steve Owens said in a release.

CSB board member Sylvia Johnson said the explosion “should not have happened and potentially could have been prevented.”

The Trump Administration has signaled that it wants to eliminate the CSB, arguing it duplicates the work of other agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The Administration’s 2026 budget recommends $0 funding for the CSB.

The CSB is an independent federal agency charged with investigating incidents and hazards involving the release of extremely hazardous substances. The board does not issue citations or fines but makes safety recommendations to companies, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies. The Trump Administration believes the functions of CSB “should reside within agencies that have authorities to issue regulations in accordance with applicable legal standards,” according to its budget proposal.

The Allegheny County Police Department homicide unit and the Allegheny County Fire Marshal have also said they will investigate.

The Clairton Coke Works facility processes raw coal into coke, which is then used in making steel. The 392-acre facility is located about 15 miles outside of Pittsburgh and is considered the largest coking facility in North America. Nearly 1,300 employees work at the facility.

Topics USA