One dead, dozens injured after explosion at US Steel Clairton Coke Works plant

An explosion in the U.S. Steel coke plant in Clairton, Pennsylvania, on Monday left one person dead and dozens injured. Two people are still missing, according to The New York Times, citing statements from officials. 

The Associated Press reported first responders are sifting through the rubble to find the missing. The conditions of those injured have not been released.

A fire at the coking plant, about 15 miles south of Pittsburgh, was reported at 10:51 a.m. Eastern Time, according to the  Allegheny County Emergency Service.

Initial reports

Emergency officials have not revealed the cause of the explosion. They said the plant remains an “active scene.”

However, sources told KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh that the blast happened inside the plant’s “reversing room” which serves as a mechanical regulator that ensures the coal bakes evenly in the furnace.

Officials react

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said he is in contact with local authorities in Clairton. 

“The scene is still active, and folks nearby should follow the direction of local authorities,” Shapiro posted on X. “Please join Lori and me in praying for the Clairton community.” 

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., said his office was tracking the incident and waiting for more information.

“Keeping those injured and all who are impacted in my thoughts right now,” Fetterman said in a social media post.

Fetterman said he is seeking details from U.S. Steel and the United Steelworkers union and reported a higher casualty count than other officials have confirmed.

“I was just on-site at the Clairton Coke Works,” Fetterman wrote. “I’ve been talking with USW and US Steel officials to get more information. There is an active search and rescue underway, dozens injured, and per police there’s at least one unaccounted for.”

Clairton Mayor Richard Lattanzi described the plant as a major institution in his town.

“For anyone that works, how old or young you are, you have to work every day, you need to go home healthy, and some people are not going to see the same husband or son or somebody that’s working the mill,” Lattanzi told KDKA. “It’s just a sad day for Clairton.”

Coke is key to steelmaking

CNN reports that the Clairton Coke Works plant is considered the largest coking operation in North America. It processes raw coal into coke, which is crucial for steelmaking.

Coke is a key ingredient typically used in the blast furnace and acts as a fuel source to generate the extreme temperatures needed to melt iron ore while eliminating impurities, according to FEECO International. It is created from coal or coal blends.