Pennsylvania explosion: Gov. says several explosions occurred

Several people appear to have been injured at a mill in Western Pennsylvania.

WPXI reported that emergency crews were sent to an explosion at the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works.

The mill is located along the Monongahela River south of Pittsburgh.

Multiple explosions

Update 2:48 p.m. ET Aug. 11: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said that there were several explosions.

He said injured employees were taken to area hospitals and that search and rescue operations continue at the site.

2 unaccounted for

Update 1:57 p.m. ET Aug. 11: Officials with Allegheny County said two people were still unaccounted for, WPXI reported.

The United Steel Workers Union District 10 Director Bernie Hall released a statement, which read:

“The USW has occupational health and safety experts and other representatives on the ground at the Clairton Works assessing the situation and aiding our members,” adding, “While we are still determining the scope of the tragedy, we are aware that multiple workers are receiving medical treatment for their injuries. In the coming days, we will work with the appropriate authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and to see that our members get the support they need.”

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said it is assisting in the response.

Health department advisory

Update 1:21 p.m. ET Aug. 11: Health department advises people who are within a mile of the plant to remain inside, closing all windows and doors. They are also advising to have HVAC systems set to recirculate the air inside, and avoid using anything that could draw outside air inside, WPXI reported.

“ACHD Air Quality monitors have not detected levels of PM2.5 and So2 above federal standards,” the agency said.

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“How dangerous of a job”

Update 12:58 p.m. ET Aug. 11: Sen. John Fetterman told reporters that the explosion “reminds everybody how dangerous of a job it is to make steel here,” The New York Times reported.

Dozens injured

Update 12:42 p.m. ET Aug. 11: Allegheny County Department of Emergency Services spokesperson Kasey Reigner said that dozens were injured in the blast.

The plant is one of the largest coking operations in North America and employs several thousand people, The Associated Press reported.

In June, U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel announced a partnership, a year and a half after the Japanese company proposed an almost $15 billion buyout of the company, the AP reported.

This is not the first emergency the plant has experienced. In February, a battery issue led to “a buildup of combustible material” that caught fire and caused an audible “boom,” the county health department said, according to the AP. Two workers got material in their eyes and were treated at an area hospital.

There have also been concerns about the environmental impacts of the plant. It was sued in 2017 for pollution, settling the lawsuit for $8.5 million in 2019. The company had agreed to spend $6.5 million to reduce soot emissions and odors produced by the plant, the AP reported.

At least one killed

Update 12:27 p.m. ET Aug. 11: WPXI reported at least one person was killed.

People unaccounted

Update 12:14 p.m. ET Aug. 11: WPXI reported that there are people unaccounted for and that there is a search for victims who may be trapped in the rubble.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said that his administration is in contact with officials in Cariton and that the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, along with the state police, has offered to assist.

Original report: Coke, according to PACokeOvens.org, “is a fuel used in the steelmaking process that is created by heating coal in the absence of air.”

It heats pulverized coal to high temperatures over a long period. The process is called “thermal distillation.” Typically, it is heated for 15 to 18 hours but can take as long as 36 hours with temperatures normally between 1,650 and 2,000 degrees, the organization said.

Several helicopters were at the scene as a mass casualty event was declared.

Smoke can be seen billowing from the plant in a photo posted to social media by WPXI.

Check back for more on this developing story.

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