Topline
People are reportedly trapped under rubble at a U.S. Steel plant outside of Pittsburgh after an explosion Monday that killed at least one person drew first responders to battle flames and heavy smoke at the facility, multiple news outlets reported.
Emergency crew gather after an explosion at the Clairton Coke Works, a U.S. Steel coking plant, Monday, Aug 11, 2025, in Clairton, Penn,
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Key Facts
Dozens of people were reportedly injured and one person has died following an explosion at the U.S. Clairton Coke Works plant in Clariton, Pennsylvania, just after 11 a.m. EDT on Monday.
Rescue operations are underway for those trapped, and there are at least two people unaccounted for, according to multiple outlets.
Officials from the Allegheny County Health Department are advising residents within one mile of the explosion to stay inside and keep windows closed as they monitor air quality.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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Key Background
KDKA-TV, the local CBS affiliate, reported the explosion happened in the “reversing room” of the 13/15 battery, which acts as a mechanical regulator ensuring coal bakes evenly in an oven. In steel production, coal is “baked” in a process called coking to produce coke, a key ingredient for blast furnaces that reduces iron ore and provides heat for steelmaking. The Clairton Coke Works is the largest coking operation in North America and employs thousands of people.
Crucial Quote
“The mill is such a big part of Clairton,” Clairton Mayor Richard Lattanzi told KDKA-TV. “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.”
