Multiple people injured after explosion at Pennsylvania steel plant
An explosion rocked the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works plant in Clairton, Pennsylvania, on Aug. 11, 2025. Multiple people have been reported injured at the industrial facility.
An explosion at a U.S. Steel plant near Pittsburgh killed two people as rescuers raced to help dozens of people injured or trapped under the rubble on Monday.
The blast happened at two of the coke oven batteries just before 11 a.m. at the Clairton Coke Works.
Earlier in the day, there were two people believed to be unaccounted for because of possible entrapment, but officials said during a press conference on Monday afternoon that only one person remained unaccounted for.
Allegheny County Emergency Services confirmed on Monday night that a second person had died in connection with the explosion earlier in the day.
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The explosion happened just before 11 a.m. at the Clairton Coke Works, in Clairton, Pennsylvania. (KDKA via NNS)
The person who died, officials said, was the last of two individuals who were initially unaccounted for.
Of the 10 people who were transported to area hospitals to be treated for injuries, five are in critical but stable condition, and five were treated and released.
There were multiple individuals injured and treated on the scene, officials added, though an exact number has not been provided.
Officials said multiple people have been treated for injuries, though their current status was not immediately known.
"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," David B. Burritt, President and Chief Executive Officer of United States Steel Corporation said. "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."
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Emergency crews rush to steel plant after massive blast traps multiple people beneath wreckage
The explosion rocked the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works plant in Pennsylvannia on Aug. 11, 2025. (Reuters)
Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman said there was an active search and rescue underway with dozens injured.
Clairton Mayor Rich Lattanzi also told KDKA-TV that there have been reports of multiple injuries.
Lattanzi said he heard that the explosion happened in the "reversing room between thirteenth and fifteenth battery," which is part of the control system of the coking factory.
"They have a tough job, and it’s a dangerous job," Lattanzi said of the plant workers. "My heart bleeds for every one of them and their families."
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Debris surrounds a damaged section of the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works plant in Clairton, Pennsylvania, on Aug. 11, 2025, as water spews from a broken pipe following an explosion that injured multiple workers. (Reuters / Fox News)
United Steelworkers District 10 Director Bernie Hall said in a statement that union officials were on the ground assessing the situation and helping its members.
"While we are still determining the scope of the tragedy, we are aware that multiple workers are receiving medical treatment for their injuries," Hall said. "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."
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said he and his administration were in touch with local officials and have offered assistance.
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Video shows moment Pennsylvania US Steel plant explodes
A video shows the moment the US Steel plant near Pittsburgh exploded on Aug. 11, 2025. (Credit: CREATE Lab/Breathe Project via Storyful)
"The scene is still active, and folks nearby should follow the direction of local authorities. Please join Lori and me in praying for the Clairton community," Shapiro wrote in a post on X.
Shapiro later provided an update about the explosions at the facility.
"Multiple explosions occurred today at U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works in Clairton, PA. Since then, my Administration has been in constant contact with labor leaders and local officials, and I’ve spoken with @ACE_Innamorato to reiterate that the Commonwealth is here to provide any resources needed," the governor wrote.
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The scene near U.S. Steel's Clairton Coke Works plant in Clairton, Pennsylvania, following an explosion on Aug. 11, 2025. (KDKA via NNS / Fox News)
"Injured employees have now been transported to local hospitals to receive care, and search-and-rescue efforts remain active at the plant. If you’re in the area, continue to follow the instructions of local authorities," Shapiro continued. "Lori and I are eternally thankful for the bravery of our first responders — and we continue to pray for the entire Clairton community."
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The Clairton Coke Works is located along the Monongahela River about 15 miles south of Pittsburgh. The industrial facility is considered the largest coking operation in North America and employs thousands of workers.
Fox Business' Brendan McDonald and Lydia Hu contributed to this report.
