U. S. Steel Clairton Coke Plant Accident Investigation Underway

Local and state officials as well as United States Steel Corporation executives said last Tuesday that the investigation of a fatal explosion at the company’s Clairton Coke Works will be both thorough and transparent.

Two people were killed and ten others were injured in the incident, which occurred around 11 a.m. Monday at the plant’s Nos. 13 and 14 Batteries.

Scott Buckiso, U. S. Steel executive vice president and chief manufacturing officer for the company’s North American flat-rolled segment, said the incident occurred during what was an otherwise typical day at the plant — coal was being charged into the furnaces, coke was being pushed and a nearby crew was preparing for a routine maintenance project that was to take place in the time ahead.

Earlier reports said there were three explosions, with two smaller blasts following the initial explosion. Buckiso, however, on Tuesday said there was but one explosion of coke oven gas. The other two, he said, were pressure relief valves on the Nos. 19 and 20 Batteries popping off as a result of back pressure arising from the initial incident. “They did exactly what they were supposed to do from a safety standpoint,” he said.

Buckiso also said that the 13-14 Batteries will remain closed during the investigation. The 19-20 Batteries are being repaired and will be returned to service. The coke plant has a long and complicated relationship with the broader community. While it has been a steady, generational employer, it has been the focus of many environmental concerns.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who spoke during the press conference, was asked whether he thought it was possible to maintain the plant and its payroll, while securing its safety. He responded “I believe we can do all of the above. We can make sure neighbors who live in the area have confidence in the air they breathe and the water they drink, that the workers who come here every day have confidence in the safety of this facility,” he said.

He added that Nippon Steel Corp.’s promised capital investments that were part of its recent acquisition of U. S. Steel will ultimately allow the facility to operate more safely and more efficiently and ensure that steel making will continue in the Pittsburgh region.