U.S. Steel plant explosion near Pittsburgh injures dozens and leaves some trapped.

An explosion rocked the Clairton Coke Works, a U.S. Steel facility located approximately 10 miles south of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Monday morning, resulting in one confirmed fatality and several individuals trapped under debris. Local authorities reported that search and rescue operations are ongoing in what they have described as an “active scene.”

The incident, which occurred shortly before 11 a.m., prompted an immediate response from emergency services, including numerous ambulances dispatched to the site. At least two individuals remain unaccounted for following the explosion, sparking extensive efforts to locate all workers who may have been affected.

Witnesses described a significant blast, with reports of a physical shockwave felt by nearby residents and workers. Smoke was seen billowing from the plant shortly after the explosion, leading to concerns about air quality. In response, the Allegheny County Health Department advised residents within a one-mile radius to stay indoors to minimize exposure to possible contaminants. Officials confirmed that soot and sulfur dioxide levels were below federal safety standards.

Despite being a part of a region where steel manufacturing is not the dominant industry today, Clairton Coke Works remains an essential facility within U.S. Steel’s operations. The plant is one of four U.S. Steel facilities in Pennsylvania, employing several thousand workers collectively. Local officials, including Mayor Richard Lattanzi, expressed their sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the plant’s significance to the community.

This explosion at Clairton Coke Works is not the first of its kind. The facility had previously experienced a minor explosion in February due to a buildup of combustible material, which resulted in injuries to two workers, though they did not suffer lasting harm.

The recent developments come amid a period of stability for U.S. Steel, which was acquired by the Japanese company Nippon Steel in a transaction worth billion finalized in June. Such incidents raise ongoing concerns about safety practices within industrial operations, particularly those involving high-risk materials and processes. As investigations into the cause of the explosion commence, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of workers and residents alike in the region affected by this tragic event.