Steel plant explosion in Pennsylvania leaves two dead, ten wounded
The Pittsburgh area was shaken by a fatal explosion at the Clairton Coke Works, a U.S. Steel facility, on Monday morning. At least two lives were lost, and more than ten people were injured in the blast.
The plant, the largest coke manufacturing facility in the country, employs around 1,300–1,400 workers. Unfortunately, its history is marred by a series of safety incidents and environmental issues.
Safety Incidents:
Multiple fatal accidents have occurred at Clairton over the years. Notable incidents include a fatal explosion in 2009, several previously documented fatalities, and a worker's death after falling into a trench in 2014. Explosions and fires have also injured numerous employees, with one in 2010 leaving one worker with severe burns.
The plant has been cited multiple times by OSHA for safety violations, resulting in fines and lawsuits. For example, after the 2010 explosion, OSHA fined U.S. Steel and a subcontractor $175,000, though some fines were later reduced in settlement.
Authorities and safety boards are currently investigating recent fatal explosions to determine causes and recommend preventative measures.
Environmental Issues:
Clairton Coke Works has longstanding pollution problems. In the last five years, U.S. Steel has paid more than $10 million in penalties for violations of the Clean Air Act at Clairton. A major fire in 2018 damaged critical pollution control equipment, resulting in a $42 million settlement over Clean Air Act violations.
U.S. Steel also settled a separate air pollution lawsuit in 2019 for $8.5 million related to the plant’s emissions. Environmental groups have criticised the company for underinvestment in facility maintenance, contributing to both safety and environmental risks at the site.
In the coming days, an investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the explosion. The Health Department is at the factory to monitor air quality, and so far, air quality monitors have not detected levels of potentially harmful gases and particulates that exceed federal standards.
Residents within a mile radius of the plant were advised to remain indoors, close all windows, and set HVAC systems to recirculate. The community, including Clairton Mayor Richard Lattanzi, has expressed sympathy for the steel workers affected by the explosion.
As the investigation continues, the tragic events at Clairton Coke Works serve as a stark reminder of the plant's complex history of safety hazards and environmental violations, raising ongoing concerns about its operation and management.
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