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UPDATED: Two Dead, 10 Injured in Explosion at U.S. Steel's Clairton Coke Works; ACHD Issues Warning

Updated: Aug 12


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UPDATE: Late Monday afternoon, Allegheny County released this update:


Allegheny County Emergency Services (ACES) and Allegheny County Police (ACPD) remain on scene of the confirmed explosion at U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works plant. Officials can confirm there has been a second fatality in connection with this incident. This was the last of the two individuals that was initially unaccounted for.


Additionally, ten people were transported to area hospitals to be treated for a variety of injuries. Five are in critical but stable condition, five were taken to the hospital, treated and released. In addition, there were multiple individuals injured and treated on scene, but we do not have an exact number given the scope of the incident.


The scene is now secure. ACES, ACPD, and ATF remain on site. The investigation is ongoing. Any additional updates will be release as appropriate.


6:38 p.m. UPDATE: Allegheny County issued the following update:


The Allegheny County Health Department has been closely monitoring air quality in and around Clairton following this morning's incident at the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works. No County Air Quality monitors have recorded an exceedance since the incident. 


Based on this data, ACHD is lifting the Stay Indoors advisory effective immediately.

Residents may resume normal activities. As always, please contact the Health Department with any concerns.


ACHD thanks the community for its cooperation and partner agencies for their rapid response.


4:52 p.m. UPDATE: Allegheny County issued the following update via press release:


Allegheny County Emergency Services and Allegheny County Police remain on scene of a confirmed explosion at U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works plant.


At 10:51 am, Allegheny County 9-1-1 was notified of an explosion inside a battery operating area at the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works. Officials can confirm there has been one fatality in connection with this incident.


Within the past hour, rescue teams have rescued one of the two individuals that was initially unaccounted for. The individual was flown to an area hospital and their condition is unknown at this time. One person remains unaccounted for.


Additionally, nine people were transported to area hospitals to be treated for a variety of injuries.


In total, 14 local fire departments and 20 EMS services responded to the scene to assist. Two medics were taken to an area hospital for evaluation. This remains an active scene. There were multiple secondary explosions reported. No additional injuries were reported.


Allegheny County Emergency Services continues to coordinate with local agencies to assist where needed.


The Allegheny County Police Department's Homicide Unit has been requested and will lead the investigation in conjunction with the Allegheny County Fire Marshal and ATF. We will provide additional updates as appropriate.


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An explosion at U.S. Steel's Clairton Coke Works has been reported. GASP is following the news closely and will keep you posted as more details become available.


Here is the statement issued this afternoon by the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD):


The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD)  is actively monitoring the explosion at U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works in coordination with emergency responders.


Out of an abundance of caution, residents within one mile of the plant are advised to remain indoors, close all windows and doors, set HVAC systems to recirculate, and avoid activities that draw in outside air, such as using exhaust fans.


ACHD Air Quality monitors have not detected levels of PM2.5 and So2 above federal standards. We will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.


Editor's Note: GASP continues to follow this incident closely. This blog will be updated as noew details emerge. In the meantime, here is media coverage of the explosion:








 
 
 

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