Explosion reported at U.S. Steel plant, multiple people injured
Firefighters spray water on the site of an explosion at U.S. Steel's Clairton Coke Works plant in Clairton, Pennsylvania, U.S. August 11, 2025 in this screengrab obtained from an aerial video. ABC Affiliate WTAE via REUTERS.
An explosion at a U.S. Steel plant near Pittsburgh injured multiple people on Monday, and fire crews could be seen battling flames as heavy smoke rose from the facility, according to CBS News and other local news reports.
Dozens of injuries were reported after the explosion at the U.S. Clairton Coke Works plant, which is owned by U.S. Steel, a subsidiary of Nippon Steel, ABC's WTAE affiliate in Pittsburgh said, without citing sources. The extent of the injuries was not known, it said.
Clairton Mayor Rich Lattanzi told Reuters in a phone interview from the site on Monday that he believed almost a dozen people had suffered severe injuries in the blast.
"I don't know if people are trapped," Lattanzi said. "There are ambulances and police and news media everywhere. It's a horrible day for Clairton. We're praying for everyone involved. We're just praying this isn't as bad as it looks."
Lattanzi told Reuters he had heard one person was missing.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro posted on X that his administration was in touch with local officials in Clairton as they responded to the explosion.
"The scene is still active, and folks nearby should follow the direction of local authorities," he wrote, asking readers to join him in prayer for the Clairton community.
Top stories
Swipe. Select. Stay informed.
World Trump seizes control of Washington police, deploys National Guard
Business Lower-wage retail workers to receive up to 6% pay bump from Sept 1
Singapore Keppel to sell M1's telco business to Simba for $1.43b, says deal expected to benefit consumers
Singapore ST Explains: Who owns Simba, the company that is buying M1?
Singapore Telco price undercutting expected to subside after sale of M1 to Simba: Analysts
Singapore ST Explains: What is Vers and which HDB estates could it be rolled out in?
Singapore For Vers to work, compensation should account for varied needs of HDB flat owners: Observers
Singapore At least $2m lost in S'pore to govt official impersonation scams involving cryptocurrency in Q1
An official told CNN that some people were trapped under the rubble, and emergency crews were working to reach them. There were no confirmed fatalities, said Abigail Gardner, director of communications for Allegheny County, according to CNN.
The Clairton Coke Works, located on the Monongahela River south of Pittsburgh, is the largest coke manufacturing facility in the United States. Coke is produced by heating coal at high temperatures. It is used in blast furnaces as part of the process of making steel.
Clairton Plant operates 10 coke oven batteries and produces approximately 4.3 million tons of coke annually. The facility serves customers in the commercial coke market as well as U. S. Steel's steelmaking facilities.
In June, Nippon Steel, Japan's biggest steelmaker, closed its $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel after an 18-month struggle to obtain U.S. government approval for the deal, which faced scrutiny due to national security concerns. REUTERS
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Times
2 hours ago
- Business Times
M1-Simba, Starhub-MyRepublic consolidations: a crowded telco market through the years
[SINGAPORE] Developments of telecommunications companies consolidating dominated this week, after many years of speculation. News broke on Tuesday (Aug 12) of StarHub buying the rest of MyRepublic Broadband for S$105.2 million, a day after Keppel announced the proposed sale of M1's telco business to Simba . For many years, Singtel, StarHub and M1 each served about a third of the market as the three full-fledged telcos in Singapore. In the past decade, however, much competition has been introduced into the market. A fourth telco, TPG Singapore, which would become Simba later, entered the scene in 2016. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) were also introduced nearly a decade ago. They are not full telcos but rather, lease network capacity from the four telcos. These include Giga, Gomo, among others. There are currently more than 10 MVNOs here, and the market size is estimated to be worth US$502.74 million this year, according to data from research firm Mordor Intelligence. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up With such a crowded market, there has been repeated talk of consolidation through the years. The increased competition had led to M1 shares, which have since been delisted, losing more than half their value in 2018. As early as 2017, there were reports that M1's shareholders Singapore Press Holdings (SPH), Keppel and Axiata had approached China mobile to sell their majority stake. Speculation of a merger between StarHub and M1 has also long been talked about, with the possibility being floated last at the end of 2024. That occurred as StarHub and M1 both deferred their spectrum payment. Here's a timeline of what has been occurring in the telecommunications industry through the decades. 1882 – Singapore's phone network was operated by the Oriental Telephone and Electric Company, which would become Singtel over a century later. 1992 – Singtel was founded, a three-year corporatisation of Telecoms – a merger between Singapore Telephone Board and Telecommunication Authority of Singapore – was completed. 1993 – Singtel debuts on the stock exchange. 1994 – M1 founded as 'MobileOne'. Singtel begins offering commercial Internet services through SingNet. 1996 – The government announces it will end Singtel's monopoly in telecommunications. 1997 – Singtel's licence to be the sole provider in mobile services ends. StarHub and Singapore Technologies Telemedia bids for basic telephone licence. 1997 – M1 enters the mobile telco market. 1999 – StarHub acquires ISP CyberWay, renames it StarHub Internet. 2000 – Full market liberalisation, with the end of Singtel's monopoly. StarHub enters the market as the third mobile operator. 2001 – Singapore Power divested shares in StarHub and sells 25.5 per cent stake to ST Telemedia for S$400 million, BT Group subsequently divests 18 per cent stake as a result of consolidation; Virgin Mobile Singapore MVNO launches as a joint venture (JV) with Singtel. 2002 – M1 launches initial public offering. StarHub merges with Singapore Cable Vision and acquires cable television and broadband Internet access operations. Virgin Mobile Singapore shuts down. 2004 – StarHub lists on the Singapore Exchange. 2005 – SunShare Investments, a JV between Telekom Malaysia and Khazanah Nasional, acquires a 12.06 per cent stake in M1 from Great Eastern Telecommunications. 2007 – Singtel's monopoly on fixed line and international direct dial services ends; Qatar Telecom buys 25 per cent stake in ST Telemedia's (STT) Asia Mobile, which holds STT's stake in StarHub. 2008 – M1 enters the fixed broadband sector. Shares in M1 held by Telekom are transferred to Axiata. 2009 – M1 acquires ISP Qala, aims to enter corporate fixed broadband market. 2015 – M1 acquires a 15 per cent stake in Omani telecom company, TeO, through subsidiary M1 TeliNet. 2016 – TPG Singapore, which later becomes Simba, enters the market as the fourth telco. Introduction of MVNO. 2018 – MyRepublic enters the MVNO space on StarHub network. 2019 – Keppel and SPH buy out Axiata's 28.7 per cent stake in M1. They gain 90.15 per cent of M1's shares. M1 delists. 2019 – ViViFi MVNO launches on Singtel network; redONE MVNO launches on StarHub network; Grid Mobile MVNO launches on Singtel network; Singtel launches SIM-only fighter brand GoMo, StarHub launches SIM-only fighter brand giga! 2020 – M1-StarHub JV wins rights to build Singapore's two nationwide 5G networks; Geenet mobile MVNO launches on M1 network; China-focused CMLink MVNO launches on Singtel network; MyRepublic Mobile switches to M1 network; Zero Mobile licence suspended by Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). 2021 – M1 launches fighter brand Maxx; mDR subsidiary ZYM Mobile MVNO launches on Singtel network; Changi Mobile MVNO launches on M1 network; Grid Mobile shuts down; Gorilla Mobile MVNO launches on M1 network. 2022 – StarHub receives IMDA approval to buy majority stake in MyRepublic; Singtel launches heya brand; ZΩH MVNO launches on M1 network. 2023 – Gorilla Mobile, ZΩH shut down. 2024 – Eight Mobile launches as MVNO using StarHub network; China Unicom's CUniq SG MVNO launches on StarHub network. 2025 – StarHub buys rest of MyRepublic Broadband. Keppel announces the proposed sale of M1's telco business to Simba.
Straits Times
5 hours ago
- Straits Times
South Korea court to rule on bid to arrest former first lady
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox South Korea's former first lady Kim Keon Hee, wife of impeached former president Yoon Suk Yeol, arrives at a court to attend a hearing to review her arrest warrant requested by special prosecutors at the Seoul Central District Court, in Seoul, South Korea August 12, 2025. JUNG YEON-JE/Pool via REUTERS SEOUL - South Korea's former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, appeared on Tuesday in court, where a judge will decide whether to approve a special prosecutor's request for a warrant to arrest her on accusations of graft. If detained, she would be South Korea's only former first lady to be arrested, joining her husband, ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol, in jail as he faces trial, following his ouster in April, over a botched bid to impose martial law in December. Kim, wearing a black suit, bowed as she arrived, but did not answer reporters' questions or make a statement. The charges against her, punishable by years in prison, range from stock fraud to bribery and illegal influence peddling that have implicated business owners, religious figures and a political power broker. She has been accused of breaking the law over an incident in which she wore a luxury Van Cleef pendant reportedly worth more than 60 million won ($43,000) while attending a NATO summit with her husband in 2022. The item was not listed in the couple's financial disclosure as required by law, according to the charge. Kim is also accused of receiving two Chanel bags together valued at 20 million won and a diamond necklace from a religious group as a bribe in return for influence favourable to its business interests. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business Singapore raises 2025 economic growth forecast but warns of uncertainty from US tariffs Singapore Circle Line to end early most Fridays and Saturdays, start late most weekends from Sept 5 to Dec 28 Business StarHub buys rest of MyRepublic's broadband business in $105m deal; comes after Simba buys M1 Singapore Telco price undercutting expected to subside after sale of M1 to Simba: Analysts World After tariff truce extended, a Trump-Xi summit in China? Asia Death of student in Sabah raises hurdle for Malaysian PM Anwar as he faces tough state polls soon Opinion Sumiko at 61: Hearing loss is linked to dementia risk. Here's what you risk by ignoring it Opinion For Singapore, the AI revolution is coming just in time Kim's lawyers have denied the accusations against her and dismissed as groundless speculation news reports about some of the gifts she allegedly received. The court is expected to announce its decision late on Tuesday or overnight, media said, based on the timing of the decision to arrest Yoon. Yoon is on trial on charges of insurrection, which could result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty. The former president, who also faces charges of abuse of power among others, has denied wrongdoing and refused to attend trial hearings or be questioned by prosecutors. REUTERS
Straits Times
5 hours ago
- Straits Times
US Open 2025 prize money: How much do the winners get?
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - September 7, 2024 General view inside the stadium ahead of the final match between Jessica Pegula of the U.S. and Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka REUTERS/Andrew Kelly The four Grand Slams offer a trophy and place in the history books as well as significant prize money. Here is what you need to know about the prize pot on offer at the US Open 2025, the fourth and final major of the year: WHEN IS THE 2025 US OPEN HAPPENING? * The hardcourt tournament will run from August 24 to September 7. WHAT IS THE TOTAL PRIZE FUND? * The US Open announced that $90 million in prize money will be on offer, the largest purse in tennis history, up 20% from 2024. HOW MUCH WILL THE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S SINGLES PLAYERS EARN? * Round of 128: $110,000 Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business Singapore raises 2025 economic growth forecast but warns of uncertainty from US tariffs Singapore Circle Line to end early most Fridays and Saturdays, start late most weekends from Sept 5 to Dec 28 Business StarHub buys rest of MyRepublic's broadband business in $105m deal; comes after Simba buys M1 Singapore Telco price undercutting expected to subside after sale of M1 to Simba: Analysts World After tariff truce extended, a Trump-Xi summit in China? Asia Death of student in Sabah raises hurdle for Malaysian PM Anwar as he faces tough state polls soon Opinion Sumiko at 61: Hearing loss is linked to dementia risk. Here's what you risk by ignoring it Opinion For Singapore, the AI revolution is coming just in time * Round of 64: $154,000 * Round of 32: $237,000 * Round of 16: $400,000 * Quarter-finals: $660,000 * Semi-finals: $1,260,000 * Runner-up: $2,500,000 * Champion: $5,000,000 HOW DOES THE PRIZE MONEY COMPARE TO THE 2024 US OPEN? * The winners of the men's and women's singles in 2024, Italian Jannik Sinner and Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, received $3.6 million each in prize money. WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER GRAND SLAMS IN 2024 AND 2025? * Australian Open 2025 singles champions, Sinner and American Madison Keys, received A$3.5 million ($2.28 million)each in prize money. * French Open 2025 singles champions, Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz and American Coco Gauff, took home 2.55 million euros ($3 million) each. * Wimbledon 2025 singles champions, Sinner and Pole Iga Swiatek, received 3 million pounds ($4 million). * Significant pay hikes at the Grand Slams were central to the demands of the world's top players in their letter to the four majors this year. WHAT IS THE PRIZE MONEY ON OFFER IN MEN'S AND WOMEN'S DOUBLES? * First round: $30,000 * Second round: $45,000 * Third round: $75,000 * Quarter-finals: $125,000 * Semi-finals: $250,000 * Runners-up: $500,000 * Champions: $1,000,000 WHAT IS THE PRIZE MONEY ON OFFER IN MIXED DOUBLES? The competition will take place a week before the singles main draw during the tournament's "Fan Week". Alcaraz has paired up with Emma Raducanu while Sinner has teamed up with Emma Navarro, with other high-ranked singles players also set to take part. The matches will be best of three sets, with short sets to four games, no-advantage scoring, tiebreakers at four-all and a 10-point tiebreak in lieu of a third set. The final will be a best-of-three set match to six games. The new format has come in for criticism from renowned doubles players, with reigning champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori saying it was a "profound injustice" that disrespect's doubles players, describing the new event as a "pseudo-exhibition focused only on entertainment and show". * Round of 16: $20,000 * Quarter-finals: $100,000 * Semi-finals: $200,000 * Runners-up: $400,000 * Champion: $1,000,000 REUTERS
