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One person is dead, dozens are injured, and two people are missing after an explosion at a U.S
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steel plant in Pennsylvania, according to multiple reports. The conditions of those injured have yet
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to be disclosed. Officials say the fire at the Claritin Coke Works plant, about 15 miles from
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Pittsburgh, was reported a little before 11 a.m. Eastern Time. Emergency officials have yet to
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release a cause and called the plant an active scene. Sources tell KDK-ATV in Pittsburgh the
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blast happened inside the plant's reversing room, which serves as a mechanical regulator that
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ensure the coal bakes evenly in the furnace. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro says he's
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in contact with local authorities and offered his prayers to the Clareton community
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Senator John Fetterman says his office is also tracking the incident and waiting for more
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information. He called the incident tragic and said, quote, I grieve with the families
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Allegheny County Health Department officials say they are tracking the incident and warned people
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within a mile of the plant to remain indoors, close windows and doors and refrain from drawing
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outside air into their homes. They say they are currently monitoring levels of soot and sulfur
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dioxide in the air, but haven't found them to be above federal standards. CNN reports the plant is
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considered the largest coking operation in North America. It processes raw coal into coke
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which is crucial for steelmaking. For more on this story, download the Straight Arrow News app or visit san.com. For Straight Arrow News, I'm Kaylee Carey
