A devastating explosion at the US Steel Clairton plant near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Monday claimed one life and left dozens injured, with emergency responders scrambling to rescue those trapped under rubble.
The blast, which occurred around 10:51 a.m., sent shockwaves through the Monongahela Valley, a historic steelmaking hub.
Allegheny County Emergency Services spokesperson Kasey Reigner reported one fatality and two individuals unaccounted for, with dozens more treated for injuries.
The explosion triggered a massive response, with 15 ambulances dispatched alongside local emergency units.
Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed state police and emergency management services were deployed, while Senator John Fetterman, present at the scene, noted an active search and rescue operation.
The explosion’s force was felt by nearby workers, with construction worker Zachary Buday describing it as shaking his chest and scaffolding.
The Clairton Coke Works, North America’s largest coking facility, has faced scrutiny for its environmental record.
The plant, which employs around 1,400 workers and produces 4.3 million tons of coke annually, has been fined millions in recent years for violations, including $2 million in 2023 for excessive hydrogen sulfide emissions and $4.7 million in 2022 for failing to use pollution control equipment.
Following Monday’s explosion, the Allegheny County Health Department issued air quality warnings, urging residents within a mile to stay indoors and seal windows.
Although monitors detected no excessive soot or sulfur dioxide, the plant’s history of pollution, including a 2018 fire that damaged controls and caused weeks of poor air quality, has heightened local concerns.
The explosion’s black smoke billowed into the sky, prompting officials to urge residents to avoid the area to aid emergency efforts.
The plant, a cornerstone of the region’s steel industry, has been a source of both jobs and controversy due to its environmental impact.
Past lawsuits, including a $8.5 million settlement in 2019, addressed soot emissions and odors.
As rescue operations continue, authorities are investigating the cause of the blast, which remains unclear.
The tragedy has struck a chord in the community, with Senator Fetterman expressing solidarity with affected steelworkers and their families, highlighting the profound loss felt across the region.