An explosion at a Pennsylvania steel plant reportedly killed at least one person and injured several.
Emergency personnel responded to the U.S. Clairton Coke Works plant following the blast, WTAE reported. Fire crews battled flames at the plant where dozens of people suffered injuries. The extent of the injuries is currently unknown.
Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro confirmed that his administration was communicating with officials responding to the incident on X, though he did not mention any injuries. “[The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Angency] and [Pennsylvania State Police] are in touch with first responders and have offered all assistance,” he wrote.
Zachary Buday, who was working near the explosion, spoke to WTAE about the incident. “Felt like thunder. Shook the scaffold, shook my chest, then shook the building. Then we saw the smoke coming up from the steel mill,” he said.
First responders learned of the incident just prior to 11:00 a.m., KDKA News reported. The blast took place within the “reversing room” of the 13/15 battery, sources said. The “reversing room” serves the role of the plant’s mechanical regulator, according to the outlet.
Authorities have declared the explosion a “mass casualty incident” and called for additional emergency responders, Newsweek reported, citing scanner reporters. (RELATED: Video Shows Car Explosion Allegedly Triggered By Florida Man To Kill Wife)
Clairton Mayor Richard Lattanzi reacted to the explosion, telling KDKA News the incident marks a “sad day” for the 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,” Lattanzi said.
Authorities said at least one person was killed as a result of the explosion, according to WPXI. Allegheny Health Network said they were actively treating seven patients impacted by the explosion at several hospitals as of 12:45 p.m.
