Pennsylvania steel factory explosion traps people in rubble, rescue operation underway

An explosion occurred Monday at a steel factory in the Pittsburgh area, leaving people trapped in the rubble, officials said.

Dozens of people were injured and at least one person was unaccounted for following an explosion at U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works in Clairton, Pennsylvania, Sen. John Fetterman said on Facebook.

“I was just on-site at the Clairton Coke Works,” he posted. “I’ve been talking with USW and US Steel officials to get more information.”

A spokesperson for Allegheny County said a rescue operation was underway for people who are trapped.

The Health Department is also on-site to monitor the air quality, the spokesperson said in a statement. Air quality monitors have not detected levels above federal standards, the department said. But residents who live within a one-mile radius of the plant are advised to remain indoors, close all windows, and “set HVAC systems to recirculate” out of an abundance of caution.

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Mercy Hospital said it was treating two patients. Allegheny Health Network said it was treating seven patients.

A cause for the explosion is unclear. Gov. Josh Shapiro said his administration is in touch with local officials.

“The scene is still active, and folks nearby should follow the direction of local authorities. Please join Lori and me in praying for the Clairton community,” Shapiro said in a post on X.

Lt. Governor Austin Davis said he knows people who work at the coking plant.

“The Commonwealth is providing whatever resources and manpower are needed to help with emergency response,” he said in a post on X. “Please stay away from the area at this time to allow emergency crews to do their job and follow all future guidance from officials for those that live nearby.”

Clairton Mayor Richard Lattanzi said it’s a sad day for the city and “a sad day for the steel workers.”

“These guys come to work and they put their gear on and they go to work to make a living for their family, not knowing if they’re going to make it home or not,” he told NBC affiliate WPXI of Pittsburgh. “This is one of those situations.”

U.S. Steel did not immediately respond to an NBC News request for comment.