Earlier this morning, a significant explosion at Clairton Coke Works in Pittsburgh killed at least one victim, injured ten others, and has left at least one person unaccounted for. According to Allegheny County Emergency Services, a fire started at the plant at approximately 10:51 in the morning. Multiple explosions occurred shortly after the blaze broke out. Members of the community have expressed shock and dismay following the incident, with local authorities asking residents to stay away from the scene so first responders can adequately respond to the ongoing situation. Our Clairton explosion accident attorney is actively monitoring the situation and we expect to provide additional updates as more details are released.
The local community was left reeling by the morning’s explosions. Local construction worker Zachary Buday stated that the explosions “shook the scaffold, shook my chest, and shook the building, and then when we saw the dark smoke coming up from the steel mill and put two and two together… it’s like something bad happened.”
Nearby Clairton residents were also affected by the deadly incident. Amy Sowers, who was at her home less than a mile from the Clairton Coke Works steel mill, stated that she felt her house shake. She was able to seek the smoke from the blasts from her front porch and decided to leave the area after smelling an unusual scent in the air. She reported witnessing several other dangerous incidents at the steel mill over the years she’s lived in the area.
Shockingly, this is not the first time that there have been injuries caused by an explosion at Clairton Coke Works. In 2009, a maintenance worker was killed in an explosion at the plant. A second explosion in July of 2010 injured 14 employees and 6 contractors. Following the latest incident, local residents expressed unease at the plant’s history of dangerous incidents and the potential for future safety concerns.
Following the fire and subsequent explosions, the Allegheny County Health Department has been closely monitoring the situation. Residents within 1 mile of the blast zone are advised to stay inside, close all doors and windows, avoid drawing in outside air, and set air conditioning systems to recirculate. So far, the agency’s monitors have not detected levels of sulfur dioxide or soot above federal standards.
If you or a loved one were impacted by the recent explosions at Clairton Coke Works, the Doan Law Firm is here to provide the empathetic, efficient legal experience you deserve. We understand just how stressful it can be to deal with the aftermath of a plant explosion, and our primary focus is on the wellbeing of you or your injured family member. When you choose The Doan Law Firm to represent you, you can expect:
Our explosion injury attorney fights tirelessly for the rights of explosion accident victims in Pittsburgh and across the country. Call now or contact us online to schedule a free case consultation.
The Doan Law Firm
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Philadelphia, PA 19103
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