Deadly explosion at Pennsylvania US Steel plant leaves people trapped under rubble, dozens wounded
An explosion at the US Steel Clairton Coke Works near Pittsburgh has resulted in multiple injuries and a declared mass casualty incident. Emergency crews are on the scene, with medical helicopters dispatched and five people transported. The incident occurred in the "reversing room" of the 13/15 battery, prompting air quality monitoring and responses from local and state officials.
AP
The plant, a massive industrial facility along the Monongahela River south of Pittsburgh, is considered the largest coking operation in North America
An explosion happened at a US Steel plant near Pittsburgh has left people trapped under the rubble with emergency crews are responding to a reported explosion at the US Steel Clairton Coke Works. Multiple people have been injured, and several medical helicopters have been dispatched to the area. The Clairton Coke Works, a massive industrial facility along the Monongahela River south of Pittsburgh, is considered the largest coking operation in North America.There are no confirmed casualties yet at the Clairton Coke Works, said Abigail Gardner, director of communications for Allegheny County. The Allegheny County Emergency Services said a fire at the plant started around 10:51 a.m. and that it has transported five people.According to scanner reporters, authorities have declared a "mass casualty incident" to mobilize additional EMS units from across the region. The agency did not provide any more details on those people transported and would only say it was an 'active scene.'
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The Allegheny County Health Department responded to the scene and is monitoring air quality, according to KDKA News. First responders were notified of the incident just before 11 a.m., according to the outlet.Ricky Sayer, a reporter for KDKA News, said on X that the explosion happened inside the "reversing room" of the 13/15 battery, citing multiple sources inside the plant.
"It's a room that acts as a mechanical regulator, making sure coal bakes evenly in the oven, I'm told," Sayer said.Clairton Mayor Rich Lattanzi posted on social media: "Just a report of an explosion! Asking for multiple ambulances! My prayers go out to anyone involved in this tragedy and their families and community," according to WTAE.ALSO READ: Perseids shower: Will US witness 100 meteors per hour? Check timings, best places to watch the rare celestial eventGov. Josh Shapiro said in a statement on X, "My Administration is in touch with local officials in Clairton, PA as they respond to an explosion at US Steel Clairton Coke Works plant this morning."@PEMAHQ and @PAStatePolice are in touch with first responders and have offered all assistance."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.""My team and I are tracking this explosion and waiting for more information," Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman said on X. "For those in the area, please listen to local officials and avoid the area. Keeping those injured and all who are impacted in my thoughts right now."
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The plant, a massive industrial facility along the Monongahela River south of Pittsburgh, is considered the largest coking operation in North America and is one of four major US Steel plants in Pennsylvania that employ several thousand workers, according to Associated Press. In recent years, the Clairton plant has been dogged by concerns about pollution. In 2019, it agreed to settle a 2017 lawsuit for $8.5 million. Under the settlement, the company agreed to spend $6.5 million to reduce soot emissions and noxious odors from the Clairton coke-making facility, on the Monongahela River about 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of Pittsburgh.The company also faced other lawsuits over pollution from the Clairton facility, including ones accusing the company of violating clean air laws after a December 2018 fire damaged the Clairton facility's sulfur pollution controls.
(With inputs from AP)
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