Clairton, PA – Multiple explosions and fires shook the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works facility earlier this morning, raising concerns about potential environmental impacts in the surrounding communities, injuring 10 people and causing one fatality. There is currently one person unaccounted for.
The Allegheny County Health Department issued an air quality alert and advises that everyone within a one mile radius of the plant stay indoors with their windows and doors closed, especially those with respiratory conditions. Some nearby schools implemented indoor recess as a precaution.
According to Allegheny County officials, the blasts occurred at 10:50 a.m. in one of the plant’s coke oven batteries, the 13-14 batteries specifically. Emergency crews throughout Pennsylvania, along with hazardous materials teams, responded to the scene.
U.S. Steel confirmed that operations in the affected section have been halted while an investigation into the cause of the explosions is underway. Air quality monitoring has been initiated in nearby neighborhoods, including Clairton, Glassport, and Elizabeth, due to the facility’s history of emissions concerns.
Residents reported hearing loud booms followed by thick black smoke billowing from the site.
The Clairton Coke Works is the largest coke manufacturing facility in the nation, processing coal into coke for steelmaking. The plant has faced scrutiny in recent years for air quality violations, drawing criticism from environmental groups and concern from public health advocates.
Officials said further updates will be provided once investigators determine the cause of the explosions and confirm whether any hazardous materials were released into the air.
This is a developing story, and residents are urged to monitor county alerts for additional safety instructions.
