Explosions at U.S. Steel Clairton plant kill 2 and injure at least 10, officials say

Two people died and at least 10 people were injured after the last missing individual was found dead following multiple explosions at the U.S. Steel Clairton plant on Monday.

First responders were alerted to the incident just before 11 a.m. at U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works, which sits south of Pittsburgh along a bend in the Monongahela River.

At a press conference on Monday night, officials said they pulled the body of the lone unaccounted-for employee from the rubble. Previously, at a press conference on Monday evening, officials believed they knew the location of the person, but were not “100% sure,” said Scott Buckiso, executive vice president and chief manufacturing officer at U.S. Steel. 

No people remain unaccounted for, and the recovery effort is over. Multiple police agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, were at the scene Monday night. 

Sources relayed to KDKA that the explosions occurred inside the reversing room for batteries 13 and 14. The room acts as a mechanical regulator, making sure the coal bakes evenly in the oven. The plant has since been stabilized. 

There were multiple secondary explosions reported, Allegheny County police later confirmed, with the county adding that the secondary explosions did not cause any “major injuries.”

One of the two victims who died was identified as 39-year-old Timothy Quinn. The second victim has not been identified as of Monday night. 

Authorities said 10 people were taken to local hospitals for treatment. Five were last listed in critical but stable condition, while the five others have since been released. Officials added that there were “multiple individuals” injured and treated at the scene, but an exact number was not known as of Monday night.

In all, officials said 14 local fire departments and 20 EMS services responded to the scene to assist.   

U.S. Steel responds to explosions

U.S. Steel issued the following statement Monday afternoon following the explosion.

“Around 11 a.m. ET on Monday, August 11, an incident occurred at U. S. Steel’s Clairton Plant, specifically at coke oven batteries 13 and 14. Emergency teams were immediately dispatched to the scene.

‘Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing 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. 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.'” 

David Burritt, president and chief executive officer of U.S. Steel, said in a statement, in part, that the company is “committed to providing every possible resource and support during this unimaginably difficult time.”

Clairton Mayor Richard Lattanzi spoke with KDKA-TV after the incident.

“The mill is such a big part of Clairton. 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. It’s just a sad day for Clairton,” Mayor Lattanzi said.

Pennsylvania lawmakers react to explosions

Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis issued statements on social media, saying the administration remains actively in touch with officials in Clairton. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Pennsylvania State Police have offered assistance.

“My team and I are tracking this explosion and waiting for more information. For those in the area, please listen to local officials and avoid the area,” Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman (D). “Keeping those injured and all who are impacted in my thoughts right now.”

Pennsylvania Sen. Dave McCormick (R) also released a statement following the explosions that said:

“Thinking about all those involved in and responding to the explosion at the steel plant in Clairton. I’m monitoring this closely as additional details become available, but in the meantime Dina and I will be praying for all those endangered and their families.”

“I’m closely monitoring the horrible tragedy at Clairton Coke Works,” a statement from Pennsylvania Congressman Chris Deluzio (D) said, in part. “My team and I are in touch with the United Steelworkers, United States Steel Corporation, and the Office of the Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato.”

“Today’s tragic events have left our entire region shaken,” a statement from Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R) said, in part. “My heart and prayers are with the families enduring unimaginable worry and grief.”

Stay-at-home-order lifted 

The Allegheny County Health Department said in a Facebook post on Monday evening that the order to stay indoors has been lifted, and residents can resume normal activities

Previously, the department advised residents within 1 mile of the plant to remain indoors, close all windows and doors, set HVAC systems to recirculate and avoid activities that draw in outside air.

The health department’s air quality monitors have not detected levels of PM2.5 and sulfur dioxide above federal standards, the department said in a media release.

What is coke, the substance made at the Clairton plant?

U.S. Steel says the Clairton plant is the largest coke manufacturing facility in the country. Coke is a fuel used to melt iron ore, and it’s produced by baking coal in coke ovens.

The Clairton plant has ten batteries, which are a series of coke ovens, stacked in rows.

Clairton produces more than 4 million tons of coke each year.