BURSTCLAIRTON, Pa. (WHTM) - An explosion at a U.S. Steel coking plant near Pittsburgh on Monday left people trapped under the rubble, officials say.
There were no confirmed fatalities yet at the Clairton Coke Works, said Abigail Gardner, director of communications for Allegheny County.
The Allegheny County Emergency Services said a fire at the plant started around 10:51 a.m., adding that it transported five people. The agency did not provide any more details on those people transported and would only say it was an “active scene.”
The Clairton Coke Works, a massive industrial facility along the Monongahela River south of Pittsburgh, is considered the largest coking operation in North America.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said the Pennsylvania State Police and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency were "in touch with first responders and have offered all assistance."
"Please join Lori and me in praying for the Clairton community," the governor posted on social media.
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman said he was monitoring the explosion and waiting for more information.
"Keeping those injured and all who are impacted in my thoughts right now," Fetterman said.
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis shared that he knows people who work at the plant and that he and his wife "are praying for the workers and their families."
A deal to sell U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel was approved by President Donald Trump in June. The deal was said to keep U.S. Steel in the Mon Valley, where Clairton is located, with approximately $11 billion in new investments in U.S. Steel by 2028.