Latest news with #MonongahelaRiver
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Explosions at US Steel plant in Pennsylvania kill two, injure 10
PITTSBURGH, Aug 12 — Multiple explosions on Monday at a US Steel plant near Pittsburgh killed two people and injured 10 others, according to the company and local authorities. The blasts at the Clairton Coke Works — part of a sprawling industrial complex along the Monongahela River — took place just before 11am ET (1500 GMT). Firefighters battled flames and heavy smoke that billowed out of the plant, which is owned by US Steel, a subsidiary of Nippon Steel. Initially, two people were reported missing. One person was found and transported to a local hospital, said Allegheny County Police Assistant Superintendent Victor Joseph at an afternoon briefing. The other individual, who had been missing, was found deceased following an extensive search and rescue effort, US Steel said in an emailed statement to Reuters late on Monday. There was no word yet on a possible cause of the explosion. The probe into the explosion would be 'a time-consuming technical investigation,' Joseph said. David Burritt, president and chief executive officer of US Steel, said in a statement that the company was working with local authorities to discover the cause. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro posted on X that there were multiple explosions at the plant and that his administration was in touch with local officials. 'The scene is still active, and folks nearby should follow the direction of local authorities,' he wrote at the time the employee was missing. The severity of the injuries was not known, but news accounts said that several people were taken to hospital burn units. Clairton Mayor Rich Lattanzi said it was a horrible day for the city, about 32km south of Pittsburgh, long known as America's Steel City. US Steel has produced steel in the area since the late 19th century, but in recent decades, the industry has been in decline, leading to plant closures and restructurings. In June, Nippon Steel, Japan's biggest steelmaker, closed its US$14.9 billion (RM63 billion) acquisition of US Steel after an 18-month struggle to obtain US government approval for the deal, which faced scrutiny due to national security concerns. While air quality monitors did not detect a dangerous rise in sulphur dioxide after Monday's explosions, residents within 1 mile of the plant were advised to remain indoors, close windows and doors, set HVAC systems to recirculate, and avoid activities that draw in outside air, said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato at the briefing. The Clairton Coke Works is the largest coke manufacturing facility in the United States, employing about 1,300 workers. It operates 10 coke oven batteries, which produce about 4.3 million tons of coke a year. Coke is produced by heating coal at high temperatures. It is used in blast furnaces as part of the process of making steel. — Reuters
Reuters
a day ago
- Business
- Reuters
Explosions at US Steel plant leaves two dead, 10 injured
Aug 11 (Reuters) - Multiple explosions on Monday at a U.S. Steel plant near Pittsburgh killed two people and injured 10 others, according to the company and local authorities. The blasts at the Clairton Coke Works - part of a sprawling industrial complex along the Monongahela River - took place just before 11 a.m. ET (1500 GMT). Firefighters battled flames and heavy smoke that billowed out of the plant, which is owned by U.S. Steel, a subsidiary of Nippon Steel (5401.T), opens new tab. Initially, two people were reported missing. One person was found and transported to a local hospital, said Allegheny County Police Assistant Superintendent Victor Joseph at an afternoon briefing. The other individual, who had been missing, was found deceased following an extensive search and rescue effort, U.S. Steel said in an emailed statement to Reuters late on Monday. There was no word yet on a possible cause of the explosion. The probe into the explosion would be "a time-consuming technical investigation," Joseph said. David Burritt, president and chief executive officer of U.S. Steel, said in a statement that the company was working with local authorities to discover the cause. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro posted on X that there were multiple explosions at the plant and that his administration was in touch with local officials. "The scene is still active, and folks nearby should follow the direction of local authorities," he wrote at the time the employee was missing. The severity of the injuries was not known, but news accounts said that several people were taken to hospital burn units. Clairton Mayor Rich Lattanzi said it was a horrible day for the city, about 20 miles (32 km) south of Pittsburgh, long known as America's Steel City. U.S. Steel has produced steel in the area since the late 19th century, but in recent decades, the industry has been in decline, leading to plant closures and restructurings. 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. While air quality monitors did not detect a dangerous rise in sulfur dioxide after Monday's explosions, residents within 1 mile of the plant were advised to remain indoors, close windows and doors, set HVAC systems to recirculate, and avoid activities that draw in outside air, said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato at the briefing. The Clairton Coke Works is the largest coke manufacturing facility in the United States, employing about 1,300 workers. It operates 10 coke oven batteries, which produce about 4.3 million tons of coke a year. Coke is produced by heating coal at high temperatures. It is used in blast furnaces as part of the process of making steel.
CBS News
a day ago
- CBS News
Explosions at U.S. Steel Clairton plant kill 2 and injure at least 10, officials say
Two people died and at least 10 people were injured after the last missing individual was found dead following multiple explosions at the U.S. Steel Clairton plant on Monday. First responders were alerted to the incident just before 11 a.m. at U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works, which sits south of Pittsburgh along a bend in the Monongahela River. At a press conference on Monday night, officials said they pulled the body of the lone unaccounted-for employee from the rubble. Previously, at a press conference on Monday evening, officials believed they knew the location of the person, but were not "100% sure," said Scott Buckiso, executive vice president and chief manufacturing officer at U.S. Steel. No people remain unaccounted for, and the recovery effort is over. Multiple police agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, were at the scene Monday night. Sources relayed to KDKA that the explosions occurred inside the reversing room for batteries 13 and 14. The room acts as a mechanical regulator, making sure the coal bakes evenly in the oven. The plant has since been stabilized. There were multiple secondary explosions reported, Allegheny County police later confirmed, with the county adding that the secondary explosions did not cause any "major injuries." One of the two victims who died was identified as 39-year-old Timothy Quinn. The second victim has not been identified as of Monday night. Authorities said 10 people were taken to local hospitals for treatment. Five were last listed in critical but stable condition, while the five others have since been released. Officials added that there were "multiple individuals" injured and treated at the scene, but an exact number was not known as of Monday night. In all, officials said 14 local fire departments and 20 EMS services responded to the scene to assist. U.S. Steel issued the following statement Monday afternoon following the explosion. "Around 11 a.m. ET on Monday, August 11, an incident occurred at U. S. Steel's Clairton Plant, specifically at coke oven batteries 13 and 14. Emergency teams were immediately dispatched to the scene. 'Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of our employees and the environment. We are working closely with relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the incident and will provide additional updates as they become available. Nearly 1,300 dedicated men and women work at the Clairton Plant each day, performing their jobs with the utmost safety. During times like this, U. S. Steel employees come together to extend their love, prayers, and support to everyone affected.'" David Burritt, president and chief executive officer of U.S. Steel, said in a statement, in part, that the company is "committed to providing every possible resource and support during this unimaginably difficult time." Clairton Mayor Richard Lattanzi spoke with KDKA-TV after the incident. "The mill is such a big part of Clairton. 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," Mayor Lattanzi said. Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis issued statements on social media, saying the administration remains actively in touch with officials in Clairton. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Pennsylvania State Police have offered assistance. "My team and I are tracking this explosion and waiting for more information. For those in the area, please listen to local officials and avoid the area," Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman (D). "Keeping those injured and all who are impacted in my thoughts right now." Pennsylvania Sen. Dave McCormick (R) also released a statement following the explosions that said: "Thinking about all those involved in and responding to the explosion at the steel plant in Clairton. I'm monitoring this closely as additional details become available, but in the meantime Dina and I will be praying for all those endangered and their families." "I'm closely monitoring the horrible tragedy at Clairton Coke Works," a statement from Pennsylvania Congressman Chris Deluzio (D) said, in part. "My team and I are in touch with the United Steelworkers, United States Steel Corporation, and the Office of the Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato." "Today's tragic events have left our entire region shaken," a statement from Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R) said, in part. "My heart and prayers are with the families enduring unimaginable worry and grief." The Allegheny County Health Department said in a Facebook post on Monday evening that the order to stay indoors has been lifted, and residents can resume normal activities Previously, the department advised residents within 1 mile of the plant to remain indoors, close all windows and doors, set HVAC systems to recirculate and avoid activities that draw in outside air. The health department's air quality monitors have not detected levels of PM2.5 and sulfur dioxide above federal standards, the department said in a media release. U.S. Steel says the Clairton plant is the largest coke manufacturing facility in the country. Coke is a fuel used to melt iron ore, and it's produced by baking coal in coke ovens. The Clairton plant has ten batteries, which are a series of coke ovens, stacked in rows. Clairton produces more than 4 million tons of coke each year.
CBS News
a day ago
- CBS News
Explosions at U.S. Steel Clairton plant kill 2 and injure 10, officials say
Two people died and at least 10 people were injured after the last missing individual was found dead following multiple explosions at the U.S. Steel Clairton plant on Monday. First responders were alerted to the incident just before 11 a.m. at U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works, which sits south of Pittsburgh along a bend in the Monongahela River. At a press conference on Monday night, officials said they pulled the body of the lone unaccounted-for employee from the rubble. Previously, at a press conference on Monday evening, officials believed they knew the location of the person, but were not "100% sure," said Scott Buckiso, executive vice president and chief manufacturing officer at U.S. Steel. No people remain unaccounted for, and the recovery effort is over. Multiple police agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, were at the scene Monday night. Sources relayed to KDKA that the explosions occurred inside the "reversing room" between batteries 13 and 15. The room acts as a mechanical regulator, making sure the coal bakes evenly in the oven. The plant has since been stabilized. There were multiple secondary explosions reported, Allegheny County police later confirmed, with the county adding that the secondary explosions did not cause any "major injuries." One of the two victims who died was identified as 39-year-old Timothy Quinn. The second victim has not been identified as of Monday night. Authorities said 10 people were taken to local hospitals for treatment. Five were last listed in critical but stable condition, while the five others have since been released. Officials added that there were "multiple individuals" injured and treated at the scene, but an exact number was not known as of Monday night. In all, officials said 14 local fire departments and 20 EMS services responded to the scene to assist. U.S. Steel issued the following statement Monday afternoon following the explosion. "Around 11 a.m. ET on Monday, August 11, an incident occurred at U. S. Steel's Clairton Plant, specifically at coke oven batteries 13 and 14. Emergency teams were immediately dispatched to the scene. 'Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of our employees and the environment. We are working closely with relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the incident and will provide additional updates as they become available. Nearly 1,300 dedicated men and women work at the Clairton Plant each day, performing their jobs with the utmost safety. During times like this, U. S. Steel employees come together to extend their love, prayers, and support to everyone affected.'" David Burritt, president and chief executive officer of U.S. Steel, said in a statement, in part, that the company is "committed to providing every possible resource and support during this unimaginably difficult time." Clairton Mayor Richard Lattanzi spoke with KDKA-TV after the incident. "The mill is such a big part of Clairton. 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," Mayor Lattanzi said. Gov. Shapiro and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis issued statements on social media, saying the administration remains actively in touch with officials in Clairton. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Pennsylvania State Police have offered assistance. "My team and I are tracking this explosion and waiting for more information. For those in the area, please listen to local officials and avoid the area," Sen. John Fetterman (D). "Keeping those injured and all who are impacted in my thoughts right now." Sen. Dave McCormick (R) also released a statement following the explosions that said: "Thinking about all those involved in and responding to the explosion at the steel plant in Clairton. I'm monitoring this closely as additional details become available, but in the meantime Dina and I will be praying for all those endangered and their families." "I'm closely monitoring the horrible tragedy at Clairton Coke Works," Congressman Chris Deluzio (D) said. "My team and I are in touch with the United Steelworkers, United States Steel Corporation, and the Office of the Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. I urge folks to follow guidance from local authorities and keep clear of the area. My heart goes out to these workers and their families, who will need all of us to rally around them." "Today's tragic events have left our entire region shaken," a statement from Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R) said, in part. "My heart and prayers are with the families enduring unimaginable worry and grief. I am deeply grateful for the swift and selfless actions of first responders and rescue crews who continue working under stressful conditions." The Allegheny County Health Department said in a Facebook post on Monday evening that the order to stay indoors has been lifted, and residents can resume normal activities Previously, the department advised residents within 1 mile of the plant to remain indoors, close all windows and doors, set HVAC systems to recirculate and avoid activities that draw in outside air. The health department's air quality monitors have not detected levels of PM2.5 and sulfur dioxide above federal standards, the department said in a media release. U.S. Steel says the Clairton plant is the largest coke manufacturing facility in the country. Coke is a fuel used to melt iron ore, and it's produced by baking coal in coke ovens. The Clairton plant has ten batteries, which are a series of coke ovens, stacked in rows. Clairton produces more than 4 million tons of coke each year.
Reuters
2 days ago
- Reuters
Explosions at U.S. Steel plant leaves one dead, one missing, 10 injured
Aug 11 (Reuters) - Multiple explosions at a U.S. Steel plant near Pittsburgh killed at least one person and injured 10 others, authorities said on Monday, and emergency crews were searching through the rubble for an employee believed to be missing. The blasts at the Clairton Coke Works - part of a sprawling industrial complex along the Monongahela River - took place just before 11 a.m. ET (1500 GMT). Firefighters battled flames and heavy smoke that billowed out of the plant, which is owned by U.S. Steel, a subsidiary of Nippon Steel (5401.T), opens new tab. Initially, two people were reported missing. One person was found and transported to a local hospital, said Allegheny County Police Assistant Superintendent Victor Joseph at an afternoon briefing. The other individual remains missing, he said. There was no word yet on a possible cause of the explosion. "It's still a rescue mission," Joseph said, adding that the probe into the explosion would be "a time-consuming technical investigation." David Burritt, president and chief executive officer of U.S. Steel, said in a statement that the company was working with local authorities to discover the cause. Authorities believe they know the general location of the missing employee but were not completely sure, said Scott Buckiso, executive vice president and chief manufacturing officer for U.S. Steel, at Monday's briefing. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro posted on X that there were multiple explosions at the plant and that his administration was in touch with local officials. "The scene is still active, and folks nearby should follow the direction of local authorities," he wrote. The severity of the injuries was not known, but news accounts said that several people were taken to hospital burn units. Clairton Mayor Rich Lattanzi said it was a horrible day for the city, about 20 miles (32 km) south of Pittsburgh, long known as America's Steel City. U.S. Steel has produced steel in the area since the late 19th century, but in recent decades, the industry has been in decline, leading to plant closures and restructurings. 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. While air quality monitors did not detect a dangerous rise in sulfur dioxide after Monday's explosions, residents within 1 mile of the plant were advised to remain indoors, close windows and doors, set HVAC systems to recirculate, and avoid activities that draw in outside air, said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato at the briefing. The Clairton Coke Works is the largest coke manufacturing facility in the United States, employing about 1,300 workers. It operates 10 coke oven batteries, which produce about 4.3 million tons of coke a year. Coke is produced by heating coal at high temperatures. It is used in blast furnaces as part of the process of making steel.
