CLAIRTON, PA — A massive explosion at a U.S. Steel plant near Pittsburgh has resulted in one death, multiple injuries, and a renewed focus on the facility’s long history of safety and environmental violations. Emergency crews responded to the Clairton Coke Works plant after the blast, which officials said injured dozens of workers and left at least one person unaccounted for.
U.S. Steel confirmed that two coke batteries were shut down following the blast. Scott Buckiso, the company’s chief manufacturing officer, stated that an investigation into the cause is underway. The explosion was felt in nearby communities, and the Allegheny County Health Department issued a shelter-in-place order for residents due to air quality concerns.
This is not the first deadly incident at the Clairton facility, the largest coking operation in North America. The plant has a documented history of safety lapses and environmental violations.
- In a previous deadly incident, a worker died in a 2014 fall, according to past Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) records.
- Following a 2010 explosion that injured 20 people, OSHA cited U.S. Steel for safety violations, though the company later settled on a reduced fine.
- The plant has also been the subject of numerous environmental lawsuits. A major fire in 2018 damaged pollution controls, and a federal settlement required the company to pay millions in penalties and make equipment upgrades.
In a statement, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said his administration is in touch with local officials and has offered state assistance. The incident has led to renewed calls from environmental groups for a thorough and independent investigation into the plant’s operations.