Two workers have died, 10 were treated at local hospitals, and numerous others were treated at the scene for minor injuries after multiple explosions occurred at the U.S. Steel Coke Works plant in Clairton, Pennsylvania, south of Pittsburgh. The explosions occurred after a fire started in the plant at around 10:51 am Monday according to Allegheny County Emergency Services. Officials had not yet determined the cause of the explosions, which the company said occurred “at coke oven batteries 13 and 14.”
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro posted on social media about the incident Monday, saying that his administration had been in constant contact with labor leaders and local officials, and that he had spoken with Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato to reiterate that the Commonwealth would provide any resources needed.
“Injured employees have now been transported to local hospitals to receive care,” Shapiro said, “and search-and-rescue efforts remain active at the plant. If you’re in the area, continue to follow the instructions of local authorities.”
In the company’s statement Monday afternoon, David B. Burritt, president and CEO of U.S. Steel said, “Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of our employees and the environment. We are working closely with relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the incident and will provide additional updates as they become available. Nearly 1,300 dedicated men and women work at the Clairton Plant each day, performing their jobs with the utmost safety. During times like this, U. S. Steel employees come together to extend their love, prayers, and support to everyone affected.”
The Clairton coking plant, which is thought to be the largest of its kind in North America. Coke is used as fuel and as a reducing agent during smelting where iron ore is turned into liquid iron to make steel. The coal is baked at temperatures as high as 2,000°F to remove impurities that would weaken the steel.
