Explosion at Pennsylvania US steel plant traps workers beneath rubble
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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said his administration is coordinating with local officials and first responders.
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The US Steel Clairton Coke Works in Pennsylvania on 2 May 2019.( Social media)
Emergency responders are conducting a search-and-rescue operation at the Clairton Coke Works facility in Clairton, Pennsylvania, after an explosion Monday morning left several people trapped under rubble, officials confirmed.
🚨🇺🇸 BREAKING: MASS CASUALTY INCIDENT AFTER EXPLOSION AT U.S. STEEL PLANT
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 11, 2025
A major explosion ripped through the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works in Pennsylvania, prompting a mass casualty declaration.
The facility, one of the largest coke producers in the U.S., supplies… pic.twitter.com/nyzLOfJwsL
The blast occurred at the US Steel plant near Pittsburgh around 10:51 a.m., prompting a large emergency response. Abigail Gardner, communications director for Allegheny County, told TribLive that crews are working to locate and assist those still trapped. No fatalities have been confirmed at this time.
“There were dozens of walking wounded. Some were transported,” said
Kasey Reigner, a spokesperson for Allegheny County emergency services, said there were "dozens of walking and wounded," confirming that five individuals had been taken to area hospitals. The agency described the situation as an “active scene” but did not provide further details on the victims' conditions.
In a statement on X, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said his administration is coordinating with local officials and first responders
“My Administration is in touch with local officials in Clairton … as they respond to an explosion at US Steel Clairton Coke Works plant [Monday] morning,” detailing that "Pennsylvania’s emergency management agency and its state police were in “touch with first responders and have offered all assistance."
My Administration is in touch with local officials in Clairton, PA as they respond to an explosion at US Steel Clairton Coke Works plant this morning. @PEMAHQ and @PAStatePolice are in touch with first responders and have offered all assistance.
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) August 11, 2025
The scene is still active, and…
Fetterman, local leaders react to blast
Democratic US Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, who previously served as mayor of nearby Braddock, called Monday’s explosion at the Clairton Coke Works “absolutely tragic” and pledged support for the steelworking community.
“I grieve for these families,” Fetterman said. “I stand with the steelworkers.”
Clairton Mayor Richard Lattanzi also expressed his condolences, saying, “The mill is such a big part of Clairton. It’s just a sad day for Clairton.”
The Clairton Coke Works, located roughly 20 miles (32 km) south of Pittsburgh along the Monongahela River, is the largest coking facility in North America and a key component of U.S. Steel’s operations. However, it has faced repeated scrutiny over safety and pollution.
Earlier this year, a malfunction involving a battery caused a buildup of combustible material, leading to a small explosion described by officials as an audible “boom.” Two workers were treated for eye irritation but did not suffer serious injuries, according to the Allegheny County Health Department.
In 2019, U.S. Steel agreed to pay $8.5 million to settle a lawsuit stemming from pollution violations at the Clairton facility. As part of the agreement, the company committed to spending $6.5 million to curb emissions and improve air quality.
Just last month, US Steel and Japan’s Nippon Steel finalized a high-profile partnership deal following Nippon’s $15 billion acquisition bid. While the agreement was approved, President Donald Trump issued a June executive order reserving the right to impose additional conditions on the deal, citing potential national security concerns tied to foreign ownership of key industrial assets.
