U.S. Steel Plant Explosion in Pennsylvania Injures Dozens, Authorities Say

U.S.|Explosion at U.S. Steel Plant Injures Dozens, Authorities Say

An explosion at a U.S. Steel plant in Clairton, Pa., on Monday injured dozens of people, the authorities said, drawing emergency crews to what the authorities called a mass casualty incident.

Local news footage showed smoke billowing from the plant near a cluster of ambulances and other emergency vehicles. Part of a building appeared to have been sheared off and rubble littered the area.

“We’re up to about 15 ambulances,” with outside agencies assisting local fire and police departments, said Kasey Reigner, a public information officer with Allegheny County Emergency Services.

There were scant details available on the extent of the injuries and what caused the explosion at the plant, which is near the Monongahela River south of Pittsburgh.

U.S. Steel did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

On its website, the company said the plant, which sits along the west bank of the Monongahela, is the largest coke manufacturing facility in the United States. Coke is a fuel used in the steel-making process. It is made by heating coal.

The Clairton Plant operates ten coke oven batteries and produces approximately 4.3 million tons of coke annually, according to U.S. Steel’s website.

Senator John Fetterman, Democrat of Pennsylvania, told reporters on Monday that the explosion “reminds everybody how dangerous of a job it is to make steel here.”

“It’s just absolutely tragic,” he said.

In a statement on social media, Mr. Fetterman added that he and his aides were “tracking this explosion and waiting for more information” and he urged the public to avoid the area.

“Keeping those injured and all who are impacted in my thoughts right now,” he said.

Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania said on social media that his administration was in contact with officials in Clairton. The State Police and state emergency management officials had offered assistance, he said.

“The scene is still active, and folks nearby should follow the direction of local authorities,” Mr. Shapiro said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.