CLAIRTON, PA — Two steelworkers died and nine were injured at the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works plant in Western Pennsylvania after a series of explosions rocked the plant Monday morning.

Initially, two people were marked unaccounted for, but during a 3:00 pm. press conference, officials said one person was rescued and sent to the hospital, with another still missing. At a second press briefing Monday evening, officials said the second missing person was found dead, and the medical examiner was called to the scene and is working to notify family members.

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During the conference, Matthew Brown, the chief of Allegheny County EMS, said that 20 EMS agencies and 14 local fire departments were called to the scene to assist the rescue and search efforts.

Clairton Mayor Richard Lattanzi told the Washington Examiner he was taking his father to a doctor’s appointment sometime before noon when he heard sirens coming in all directions toward the plant.

“There were EMS, firefighters, and police all on the scene immediately,” he said.

U.S. Steel stated that the incident occurred at coke oven batteries 13 and 14 inside the plant.

The president and CEO of United States Steel Corporation, David Burritt, said in a statement that their top priority is the safety and well-being of their 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,” he said.

WORKERS TRAPPED AFTER EXPLOSION AT U.S. STEEL PLANT

Burritt noted that nearly 1,300 men and women work at the Clairton Plant daily, performing their jobs safely.

“During times like this,” he said, “U.S. Steel employees come together to extend their love, prayers, and support to everyone affected.”