An explosion at the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works plant in Pennsylvania on Monday (August 11) resulted in at least two fatalities and ten injuries. The explosion occurred at the plant located in Clairton, about 15 miles south of Pittsburgh, and was followed by several smaller blasts. Emergency crews responded to the scene shortly before 11 a.m. to rescue individuals trapped under the rubble.
The explosion took place in at least two coke oven batteries, which are used to heat coal and produce coke, a material essential for steel production. Allegheny County officials confirmed that one worker, Timothy Quinn, was among those who died. Quinn, a father of three, was identified by his sister, Trisha Quinn, who was searching for him at local hospitals.
The incident left ten people injured, with five already discharged from the hospital, according to CNN. The cause of the explosion remains unknown, and U.S. Steel is working with authorities to investigate. "We are working closely with relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the incident," said David B. Burritt, president and CEO of U.S. Steel.
The Clairton Coke Works is the largest coking operation in North America and a significant part of the Mon Valley Works, a historic steel-making region. The plant employs nearly 1,300 workers daily. Following the explosion, the plant has been stabilized, and the Fire Marshal is conducting an investigation.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and other local officials are in contact with U.S. Steel and have assured that state resources are available to support the emergency response. The Allegheny County Health Department lifted its "Stay Indoors" advisory for residents living within a mile of the plant, indicating that air quality levels are safe.