USA – Two dead, ten injured in Pennsylvania Steel Plant Explosion

An explosion at the U.S. Steel Clairton plant, just outside Pittsburgh, has claimed two lives and injured 10 others, local officials confirmed on Monday.

The blast, which destroyed part of the facility, triggered a large fire and prompted authorities to instruct residents within a one-mile radius to keep doors and windows shut due to air quality concerns. That advisory was lifted later the same evening. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.

Victims and Injuries
The body of the second victim was discovered during an evening search operation. Earlier, officials reported one fatality and 10 injuries. According to CBS, five of the injured are in critical but stable condition, while the others have been released from hospital. No additional workers are reported missing.

One of the deceased has been identified by family as Timothy Quinn, a 39-year-old father of three from Fitz Henry in Westmoreland County. The second victim’s name has not yet been released.

Emergency Response
Governor Josh Shapiro said state emergency services and police were deployed to the plant immediately after the incident. U.S. Senator John Fetterman, present at the site soon after the explosion, described seeing “an active search and rescue underway” on social media.

David B. Burritt, President and CEO of U.S. Steel, stated that the company is cooperating fully with authorities and that the facility is “stable,” though the investigation remains active.

About the Plant
The Clairton facility, located about 15 miles (24 km) south of Pittsburgh, is the largest coking operation in North America, producing coke — a coal-derived fuel essential for steel production. It employs roughly 1,300 people.

Photo credit: ABC Eye Witness News. All rights reserved.