The plant, a major North American coking facility located about 15 miles south of Pittsburgh, employs around 1,300 workers. The identity of the most recently identified victim, a 39-year-old father named Timothy Quinn, has been confirmed by family sources. Local officials, including Governor Josh Shapiro, have mobilized emergency response teams to the site. US Senator John Fetterman reported witnessing search and rescue operations firsthand. David B Burritt, CEO of US Steel, affirmed the company’s commitment to cooperating with ongoing investigations as the cause of the blast remains undetermined. This incident adds to the plant’s controversial history involving numerous pollution-related fines and penalties.

Local officials expressed their condolences, emphasizing the tragic nature of the event for the Clairton community. The Clairton Coke Works has faced numerous environmental scrutiny over the years, underscoring ongoing health and pollution concerns associated with the facility.

Pennsylvania, United States