(CLAIRTON, Pa.) — Two people have died and 10 are injured following an explosion at a Pennsylvania steel plant on Monday, Allegheny County police said.
The incident at the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works plant in Clairton, about 15 miles outside of Pittsburgh, trapped people under rubble, prompting a rescue operation, according to Allegheny County officials.
Of those injured, five are in critical but stable condition and five were taken to the hospital, treated and released, according to officials.
“Injured employees have now been transported to local hospitals to receive care, and search-and-rescue efforts remain active at the plant,” Gov. Josh Shapiro said on social media. “Lori and I are eternally thankful for the bravery of our first responders — and we continue to pray for the entire Clairton community.”
One person who died in the explosion was identified as Timothy Quinn, Clairton Mayor Richard Lattanzi confirmed to ABC News.
The second individual, who was found dead on Monday night, has not yet been identified.
The explosion inside a battery operating area at the plant was reported at 10:51 a.m., and “multiple secondary explosions” were reported after that, Allegheny County officials said.
David B. Burritt, president and CEO of U.S. Steel, said in a statement, “We are working closely with relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the incident.”
“Nearly 1,300 dedicated men and women work at the Clairton Plant each day, performing their jobs with the utmost safety,” Burritt said. “During times like this, U.S. Steel employees come together to extend their love, prayers, and support to everyone affected.”
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato said at a news conference, “Out of an abundance of caution, we advise 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, such as exhaust fans.”
The Allegheny County Health Department is monitoring the incident and Innamorato said the department’s “air quality monitors have not detected a rise in PM 2.5 [fine inhalable particles under 2.5 micrometers] or sulfur dioxide above federal standards.”
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