Explosions At U.S. Steel Plant Leave At Least 1 Person Dead, 10 Injured, 1 Still Missing
on Aug 11, 2025
An Explosion At U.S. Steel Clairton Plant Has Killed At Least One Person
Multiple explosions at the U.S. Steel Clairton plant on Monday (August 11) left at least one person dead, one missing, and at least 10 others injured.
Emergency crews responded just before 11 a.m. following reports of multiple explosions.
At a press briefing this afternoon, officials said search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate the missing employee. While they believe they have identified the person’s likely location, they are not “100% certain,” according to Scott Buckiso, U.S. Steel’s executive vice president and chief manufacturing officer.
Sources told KDKA-TV that the explosions originated in the “reversing room” of the 13/15 battery, a mechanical area responsible for regulating the coal-baking process to ensure even heating in the ovens.
Allegheny County police later confirmed that multiple secondary explosions also occurred and the plant has since been stabilized.
U.S. Steel Responds To The Incident
U.S. Steel issued a statement Monday afternoon following the explosion.
“Around 11 a.m. ET on Monday, August 11, an incident occurred at U. S. Steel’s Clairton Plant, specifically at coke oven batteries 13 and 14. Emergency teams were immediately dispatched to the scene,” U.S. Steel said.
U.S. Steel, officially known as United States Steel Corporation, is one of the largest steel producers in the United States and a major player in the global steel industry.
“Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of our employees and the environment. We are working closely with relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the incident and will provide additional updates as they become available. Nearly 1,300 dedicated men and women work at the Clairton Plant each day, performing their jobs with the utmost safety. During times like this, U. S. Steel employees come together to extend their love, prayers, and support to everyone affected.”
Politicians React To The News
Clairton Mayor Richard Lattanzi said it was a “sad day” for the small town.
“The mill is such a big part of Clairton. For anyone that works, how old or young you are, you have to work every day, you need to go home healthy, and some people are not going to see the same husband or son or somebody that’s working the mill. It’s just a sad day for Clairton,” Mayor Lattanzi said.
Democratic Senator John Fetterman confirmed that one person was still missing.
“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,” Fetterman said. “Keeping those injured and all who are impacted in my thoughts right now.”
Senator Kim Ward (R) explained that the plant has been a symbolic reminder of the area’s “work ethic and determination.”
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— Sen. Kim Ward (@SenatorKimWard) August 11, 2025
My full statement regarding the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works explosion:
Today’s tragic events have left our entire region shaken. My heart and prayers are with the families enduring unimaginable worry and grief.
