Multiple explosions at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works near Pittsburgh left two dead and 10 injured, the company confirmed. The incident began inside a battery operating area, triggering several secondary blasts, according to Allegheny County officials.
Chief Manufacturing Officer Scott Buckiso said the cause remains under investigation and the company is cooperating with authorities. While the plant continues operating, the two affected coke oven batteries have been shut down.
Clairton Coke Works is the largest coke manufacturing facility in the U.S., with about 1,300 workers and 10 batteries producing 4.3 mln tons of coke annually. The plant has a history of serious accidents, including fatal explosions in 2009 and 2014.
Founded in 1901, U.S. Steel is a major American producer with 22.4 mln tons of annual capacity and operations across the U.S. and Central Europe. Nippon Steel, Japan’s largest steelmaker, completed its USD 14.9 bln acquisition of U.S. Steel in June.
