Fatal Pittsburgh steel mill blast injures 10, search and rescue ongoing

At least one person died on Monday from an explosion at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works plant, about 30 minutes south of Pittsburgh. About 10 people were injured in the blast, Allegheny County officials said at a Monday afternoon news conference. One of the missing people was pulled from the rubble and transported to a local hospital,  said Allegheny County Police Assistant Superintendent Victor Joseph. Search and rescue efforts continue for the last missing person. 

County Executive Sara Innamorato advised that residents within a one-mile radius of the plant remain indoors and set HVAC systems to recirculate indoor air. Local air monitors show sulfur dioxide levels have not risen above federal standards, she said. 

State police and emergency managers are working to assist first responders at the scene, according to Gov. Josh Shapiro. The governor planned to stay in close contact with local officials responding to the active scene, he added. 

What caused the explosion? U.S. Steel's Chief Manufacturing Officer Scott Buckiso described the explosion as an incident between two of the plant's batteries. The plant is now stable, he assured. Allegheny County Police will investigate what triggered the blast. This will be a technical and time-consuming investigation that has only just begun, Joseph said.

Local news outlet KDKT-TV previously reported that the explosion came from inside a room that regulates the coal-making process.