One Dead, Ten Injured in U.S. Steel Plant Explosion Near Pittsburgh; Search Continues for Missing Worker
- Victor Nwoko
- Aug 11, 2025
- 2 min read
An explosion at a U.S. Steel plant in the Mon Valley near Pittsburgh has left one worker dead, at least ten others injured, and one person still missing, officials confirmed. The blast, which occurred around 10:51 a.m. Monday at the Clairton coking facility, caused extensive damage and sent thick black smoke into the sky. Emergency crews are continuing to search the charred wreckage for the missing worker.
The explosion was followed by multiple smaller blasts, shaking buildings in nearby communities and prompting local officials to urge residents to stay clear of the area. Witnesses described the force of the explosion as feeling like “thunder” and powerful enough to rattle scaffolding and structures.
Seven patients were treated at Allegheny Health Network, with five later discharged, while three more are being treated at UPMC Mercy, the region’s only level one trauma and burn center. Officials have not released the identities of the victims, and the cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
U.S. Steel’s chief manufacturing officer, Scott Buckiso, praised employees for rescuing co-workers, shutting down gases, and working to stabilize the site. CEO David B. Burritt pledged a full investigation, emphasizing the company’s safety commitment.
Clairton Mayor Richard Lattanzi expressed condolences to the victims, calling it “a sad day” for the city, which is home to the largest coking operation in North America. Although two coke oven batteries were shut down following the blast, other operations at the plant have continued.
The plant, which employs around 1,400 workers, has a history of serious incidents, including fatal explosions in 2009 and 2014 and a blast in 2010 that injured 20. OSHA fined the company after the 2010 incident, but penalties were later reduced in a settlement.
The facility has also faced longstanding air quality concerns. It settled an $8.5 million pollution lawsuit in 2019 and a $24.5 million federal settlement in 2024 for equipment upgrades and local clean air initiatives following a 2018 fire that caused $40 million in damage and widespread sulfur dioxide releases. Health studies found a spike in asthma-related symptoms among nearby residents after that incident.
Environmental advocates, including PennEnvironment, are now calling for a comprehensive, independent investigation into the latest disaster and a reassessment of whether the plant should remain operational.
The Clairton facility, located along the Monongahela River, is a key part of U.S. Steel’s Pennsylvania operations. The company is currently in a strategic partnership with Japan-based Nippon Steel, following a high-profile $15 billion acquisition agreement earlier this year.
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