Two people were killed and 10 were injured following a series of explosions at a U.S. Steel plant near Pittsburgh on Monday, according to the company and local officials. The blasts occurred at the Clairton Coke Works, a large industrial complex situated along the Monongahela River, shortly before 11 am ET (1500 GMT).
Firefighters were deployed to combat the flames and thick smoke that billowed from the plant, which is owned by U.S. Steel, a subsidiary of Nippon Steel. Initially, two individuals were reported as missing. During an afternoon briefing, Allegheny County Police Assistant Superintendent Victor Joseph confirmed that one of the individuals had been found and transported to a local hospital. In a statement emailed to Reuters late on Monday, U.S. Steel confirmed that the other missing person was found deceased after an extensive search and rescue operation.
The cause of the explosions has not yet been determined. Joseph stated that the investigation would be a “time-consuming technical investigation.” David Burritt, president and CEO of U.S. Steel, issued a statement saying that the company is cooperating with local authorities to uncover the cause.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro posted on X that there had been multiple explosions at the plant and that his administration was in contact with local officials. He advised, “The scene is still active, and folks nearby should follow the direction of local authorities.”
The severity of the injuries sustained is not yet known, although news reports indicate that several people were taken to hospital burn units. Clairton Mayor Rich Lattanzi described it as a “horrible day” for the city, which is located about 20 miles (32 km) south of Pittsburgh and has long been known as “America’s Steel City.”
U.S. Steel has been producing steel in the area since the late 19th century, but the industry has been in decline for decades, leading to plant closures and restructuring. In June, Nippon Steel, Japan’s largest steelmaker, completed its $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel after an 18-month struggle to obtain U.S. government approval for the deal, which had been scrutinized for national security concerns.
Although air quality monitors did not detect a dangerous increase in sulfur dioxide after Monday’s explosions, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato advised residents within one mile of the plant to stay indoors, close windows and doors, set HVAC systems to recirculate, and avoid any activities that draw in outside air.
The Clairton Coke Works is the largest coke manufacturing facility in the United States, employing approximately 1,300 workers. It operates 10 coke oven batteries, which produce about 4.3 million tons of coke annually. Coke is produced by heating coal at high temperatures and is used in blast furnaces as a key component in the steel-making process.
