An explosion at a steel facility outside Pittsburgh on Monday killed one person and left two others unaccounted for, authorities said.
Allegheny County Emergency Services confirmed the fatality and said the search continues for the missing individuals. Rescue crews remained on scene late Monday at the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works plant, about 35 miles southeast of downtown Pittsburgh.
“This is still an active situation,” the agency said in a statement urging the public to stay away from the area.
State and local officials said dozens of workers were injured in the blast. UPMC Mercy Hospital reported treating two patients, while Allegheny Health Network said seven others were being treated at its facilities.
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., said on social media he visited the plant shortly after the explosion and was in contact with United Steelworkers representatives and company officials.
County officials said the Health Department deployed monitors to check air quality around the site. Early readings showed no levels above federal safety limits, but residents within a one-mile radius were advised to remain indoors, keep windows closed and set heating and cooling systems to recirculate air “out of an abundance of caution.”
Gov. Josh Shapiro said his administration is working closely with local responders. “The scene is still active, and folks nearby should follow the direction of local authorities,” he posted on X. “Please join Lori and me in praying for the Clairton community.”
The cause of the explosion has not been determined.
