Live updates: Explosion at US Steel plant in Pittsburgh leaves people trapped under rubble

CLAIRTON, Pa. – An explosion at a U.S. Steel plant near Pittsburgh has left one dead and dozens injured or trapped under the rubble, with emergency workers on site trying to rescue them. 

The news was initially confirmed by Abigail Gardner, the director of communications for Allegheny County. 

Here’s what we know so far:

Search and rescue efforts remain active at plant, Pennsylvania governor says

2:30 p.m. ET: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said on Monday that his administration has been in constant contact with labor leaders and local officials.

” Injured employees have now been transported to local hospitals to receive care, and search-and-rescue efforts remain active at the plant,” Shapiro said on X. “If you’re in the area, continue to follow the instructions of local authorities.   Lori and I are eternally thankful for the bravery of our first responders — and we continue to pray for the entire Clairton community.”

1 person dead, 2 believed to be missing

1:40 p.m. ET:  Allegheny County emergency services spokesperson Kasey Reigner, said one person died in the explosion and two were currently believed to be unaccounted for. Multiple other people were treated for injuries, Reigner said.

County sends additional 15 ambulances to scene

1:15 p.m. ET: An Allegheny County emergency services spokesperson, Kasey Reigner, said dozens were injured and the county was sending 15 ambulances, on top of the ambulances supplied by local emergency response agencies.

Dozens injured, at least 1 unaccounted for

1:00 p.m. ET: US Senator John Fetterman gave an update on the explosion near Pittsburgh after speaking with USW and U.S. Steel officials on-site at the Clairton Coke Works.

“There is an active search and rescue underway, dozens injured, and per police there’s at least one unaccounted for,” he said.

US Senator John Fetterman calls explosion ‘absolutely tragic’

12:45 p.m. ET: United States Senator from Pennsylvania John Fetterman released a statement on X, writing, “My team and I are tracking this explosion and waiting for more information. For those in the area, please listen to local officials and avoid the area. Keeping those injured and all who are impacted in my thoughts right now.”

Fetterman, who formerly served as the mayor of nearby Braddock, called the explosion “absolutely tragic” and vowed to support steelworkers in the aftermath.

“I grieve for these families,” Fetterman said. “I stand with the steelworkers.”

Explosion at US Steel plant in Pittsburgh leaves dozens injured

12:40 p.m. ET: Officials said the explosion has left dozens wounded and people trapped under the rubble, with emergency workers on site trying to rescue them.

Clairton plant settles lawsuit in 2017 regarding pollution

12:10 p.m. ET: In recent years, the Clairton plant has been dogged by concerns about pollution. In 2019, it agreed to settle a 2017 lawsuit for $8.5 million. Under the settlement, the company agreed to spend $6.5 million to reduce soot emissions and noxious odors from the Clairton coke-making facility, on the Monongahela River about 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of Pittsburgh.

The company also faced other lawsuits over pollution from the Clairton facility, including ones accusing the company of violating clean air laws after a December 2018 fire damaged the Clairton facility’s sulfur pollution controls.

Five people transported to hospital

11:30 p.m. ET: The Allegheny County Emergency Services said a fire at the plant started around 10:51 a.m. and that it has transported five people. 

The agency did not provide any more details on those people transported and would only say it was an “active scene.” 

Big picture view:

The plant is a massive industrial facility along the Monongahela River south of Pittsburgh, and is considered the largest coking operation in North America.

This is a developing story. Please check back for more details.

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