VIDEOS: Two people were killed and at least 10 others were injured after multiple explosions occurred at the U.S. Clairton Coke plant in Pennsylvania Monday morning. Video from Sky 4 captured fire crews battling flames as ambulances rushed to the scene. Officials have confirmed:
- Two people dead
- One person rescued
- 10 people injured
In addition to the two people who have died, 10 people were taken to local area hospitals, according to the US Steel and county officials. We’re also told that two medics were taken to the hospital for evaluation. Officials also say multiple people were treated at the scene, but an exact number of those treated was not immediately listed. Five of those people who were taken to AHN in Jefferson Hills for treatment following the explosion have all been released from the hospital.
It was previously reported that two people were unaccounted for, but officials said during a 3 p.m. press conference Monday that one person was rescued and transported to a local hospital for treatment. “We’re still engaged in the incident,” Matthew Brown, chief of Allegheny County EMS said during the conference. “Our focus continues searching for one person who remains unaccounted for.”
Another press briefing was held just before 9 p.m., where officials said a second victim was found dead. Brown said the medical examiner was called to the scene and is working to notify family members. Officials say the search and rescue mission has now come to an end. Brown said 20 EMS agencies and 14 local fire departments were called to the scene to assist in the rescue and search efforts. Officials were first dispatched to the scene before 11 a.m.
Officials said the plant is now stable, and the Fire Marshal is investigating. No additional details on the extent of injuries have been released. Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a post on X prior to the conference that multiple explosions occurred at the plant and that employees rescued have been taken to local area hospitals. “Multiple explosions occurred today at U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works in Clairton, PA,” Shapiro said in the post. “Injured employees have now been transported to local hospitals to receive care, and search-and-rescue efforts remain active at the plant.” He continued, saying in part: “If youโre in the area, continue to follow the instructions of local authorities.”
Prior to the press conference, U.S. Steel released a statement saying the incident occurred “specifically at coke oven batteries 13 and 14” inside the plant. David B. Burritt, president and chief executive officer of the United States Steel Corporation, said, in part: “Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our employees and the environment. We are working closely with relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the incident and will provide additional updates as they become available.”
The statement continued, saying, “nearly 1,300 dedicated men and women work at the Clairton Plant each day, performing their jobs with the utmost safety. During times like this, U. S. Steel employees come together to extend their love, prayers, and support to everyone affected.โ
