US coke plant explosion leaves one dead and several others missing, police say
A person was killed and multiple others were injured after an explosion at a coke plant near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, police said.
Two people remain missing after the explosion at about 11am local time at the Clairton Coke Works plant, which is owned by US Steel, a subsidiary of Nippon Steel.
Coke is produced by heating coal at high temperatures and the process creates a lethal mix of methane, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. It is used in blast furnaces as part of the process of making steel.
An official told CNN that some people were trapped under the rubble and emergency services were trying to rescue them.
It is still uncertain what caused the explosion.
Speaking from the site of the blast, the mayor of Clairton, Rich Lattanzi, said: “I don’t know if people are trapped.
“There are ambulances and police and news media everywhere. It’s a horrible day for Clairton. We’re praying for everyone involved. We’re just praying this isn’t as bad as it looks.”
Firefighters spray water on the site of the explosion. Pic: ABC Affiliate WTAE/Reuters
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro posted on X that his administration was in touch with local officials in Clairton as they responded to the explosion.
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“The scene is still active, and folks nearby should follow the direction of local authorities,” he wrote, asking readers to join him in prayer for the Clairton community.
The Clairton Coke Works, located on the Monongahela River south of Pittsburgh, is the largest coke manufacturing facility in the United States.
