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What they're saying about explosion at U.S. Steel's Clairton Coke Works | TribLIVE.com
Allegheny

What they're saying about explosion at U.S. Steel's Clairton Coke Works

Tom Davidson
Tom Davidson
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Massoud Hossaini | TribLive
Employees leave U.S. Steel’s Clairton coke works on Monday.

Local leaders and officials expressed concern and support following Monday’s explosion at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works. Emergency teams are engaged in rescue operations as the situation continues to unfold.

Here’s what they said:

“My team and I are aware of the tragic explosion at the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works plant. My heart is with the workers, especially those injured or trapped, their families, first responders, USW members, and the entire Clairton community. I am deeply grateful to the emergency personnel, medical teams, and rescue crews who are responding with courage and urgency. My office remains committed to ensuring that every affected worker and family receives the support and resources they need.”

U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, D-Swissvale

”My team and I are tracking this explosion and waiting for more information. For those in the area, please listen to local officials and avoid the area. Keeping those injured and all who are impacted in my thoughts right now. I was just on-site at the Clairton Coke Works. I’ve been talking with USW and US Steel officials to get more information. There is an active search and rescue underway, dozens injured, and per police there’s at least one unaccounted for.”

U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Braddock

“Thinking about all those involved in and responding to the explosion at the steel plant in Clairton. I’m monitoring this closely as additional details become available, but in the meantime, Dina and I will be praying for all those endangered and their families.”

U.S. Sen. David McCormick, R-Squirrel Hill

“My Administration is in touch with local officials in Clairton, PA as they respond to an explosion at US Steel Clairton Coke Works plant this morning. (Pennsylvania EMA) and (Pennsylvania State Police) are in touch with first responders and have offered all assistance. The scene is still active, and folks nearby should follow the direction of local authorities. Please join Lori and me in praying for the Clairton community.”

Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro

“As we continue to receive updates about the explosions at the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works facility in Allegheny County, please continue to follow all directions from officials including the recommendation of residents to remain indoors, and limit your exposure outside for those within a one mile radius of the plant.Blayre and I are grateful for the efforts of our first responders today. Our prayers remain with the steelworkers and their families during this difficult time.”

Pa. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis

“Today’s tragic events have left our entire region shaken. My heart and prayers are with the families enduring unimaginable worry and grief. I am deeply grateful for the swift and selfless actions of first responders and rescue crews who continue working under stressful conditions.

“For generations, U.S. Steel and the Clairton Coke Works plant have stood as symbols of Western Pennsylvania’s work ethic and determination. Our region’s story has been forged in the heat of steel mills by people who do not back down from challenges but instead stand shoulder-to-shoulder in hard times.

“In the face of heartbreak, we will not waver — because in Western Pennsylvania, we are forged in steel and we do not break.”

Pa. Sen. President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, R-Hempfield

“My heart goes out to all those injured in today’s tragic explosion at the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works, and to the families anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones. I am in close contact with local emergency responders, Allegheny County officials, and Governor Shapiro’s office to ensure every available resource is brought to bear in the rescue and recovery efforts.

“I want to thank our first responders, who are working tirelessly—often at great personal risk—to save lives and secure the scene.

“The situation remains active, and I urge residents in and around Clairton to follow all instructions from local authorities for their own safety. My office stands ready to assist anyone affected by this incident in navigating available state resources.

“We are a strong community, and in the days ahead we will come together to support the injured, their families, and all those impacted by this devastating event.”

Pa. Rep. Dan Goughner, D-McKeesport

“My thoughts are with the workers, their families, and all members of our community impacted by today’s explosion at the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works. I am grateful to the first responders and medical professionals who acted swiftly to provide care and secure the scene.

“Earlier today, I was on site at the mill and at the United Steelworkers union hall meeting with workers monitoring the situation. Developments are still unfolding, and I have been in touch with Governor Shapiro’s office, Lieutenant Governor Davis, County Executive Innamorato, Mayor Lattanzi, and local officials and emergency responders to ensure a coordinated response.

My office is also working closely with state and county agencies, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and U.S. Steel to stay informed and provide support. I urge everyone to avoid speculation, stay clear of the area, and follow all instructions from emergency officials to stay safe. Our community is strong, and we will come together to get through this and support all those impacted by this tragic event.”

Pa. Sen. Sen. Nick Pisciottano, D-McKeesport

“I’m closely monitoring the situation at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works following this morning’s explosion. Allegheny County Emergency Services is on site, and I am headed there now to meet with responders. Out of an abundance of caution, residents within one mile of the plant should remain indoors, close all windows and doors, set HVAC systems to recirculate, and avoid activities that draw in outside air. Our thoughts are with the workers, their families, and the community. We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.”

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato

“It is with a heavy heart that I join our neighbors in mourning after the tragic explosions earlier today at the Clairton Coke Works. My deepest prayers are with the person who has died, with those who are injured, and with the workers who are still missing. I pray especially for their families, friends, co-workers, and all who are carrying heavy worry in their hearts. We give thanks for the courage of the first responders, medical teams, and all who are working tirelessly to bring help and hope in this difficult moment. At times like this, our faith calls us to stand together in compassion, in prayer, and in care for one another. May our parish communities be places of comfort for those who are hurting, and may the Lord grant peace to the one who has died, strength to those who mourn, and safety to all who serve.”

Pittsburgh Roman Catholic Bishop Mark Eckman

“We are heartbroken to share that a U. S. Steel colleague lost their life today. And we have other employees who are injured and one we’re still searching for. To the families affected, our hearts are with you. We are committed to providing every possible resource and support during this unimaginably difficult time.

“The work we do is important and often challenging, but it should never, under any circumstances, come at the expense of safety.

“I want to express my deep gratitude to our emergency response team, who acted immediately in the wake of this tragic incident, and to all who provided support on site. I know that here in Clairton, and across our U. S. Steel family, people are hurting. Let’s continue to do what we do best — stand together and support one another through these hard times. Counselors are available on site and remotely for anyone who needs them.

“We will thoroughly investigate the cause of this incident. I end every meeting and every message with the words, “Let’s get back to work safely.” That commitment has never been more important, and we will honor it.”

U.S. Steel President and CEO David B. Burritt

Tom Davidson is a TribLive news editor. He has been a journalist in Western Pennsylvania for more than 25 years. He can be reached at tdavidson@triblive.com.

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