Clairton, PA – A powerful explosion at the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works plant Monday injured dozens and left workers trapped as emergency crews rushed to the scene. Officials said the blast shook the massive facility south of Pittsburgh late Monday morning, triggering a fire and sending heavy smoke over the Monongahela River.
According to Allegheny County Emergency Services, the fire started at approximately 10:51 a.m. Five people were transported for treatment, but the agency did not release their conditions. Officials described the situation as an “active scene,” with first responders working to locate and free those reportedly trapped under debris.
The Clairton plant, considered the largest coking operation in North America, employs thousands and is one of four major U.S. Steel facilities in Pennsylvania. The plant has faced previous safety and environmental incidents, including a February equipment malfunction that caused a combustible material buildup and a loud “boom,” as reported by the Allegheny County Health Department.
Gov. Josh Shapiro said on X that his administration is in contact with local officials as they coordinate emergency response.
In recent years, the Clairton facility has been at the center of environmental litigation, agreeing in 2019 to pay $8.5 million to settle a lawsuit over soot and odor emissions. Other lawsuits have alleged violations of clean air laws following a 2018 fire that damaged pollution control equipment.
The cause of Monday’s explosion remains under investigation, and authorities have not confirmed whether hazardous materials were released into the air.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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