Emergency crews responded to reports of an explosion at the U.S. Clairton Coke Works plant in Pennsylvania.

“Allegheny County Police are responding alongside multiple other agencies to U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works following the report of an explosion. Multiple injuries have been reported. More information to follow,” the Allegheny County Police Department stated.

“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. @PEMAHQ and @PAStatePolice are in touch with first responders and have offered all assistance,” Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said.

“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,” he added.

USA TODAY provided further info:

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Clairton is about 20 miles south of Pittsburgh. The Clairton Plant is the largest coke manufacturing facility in the country and serves the commercial coke market as well as U.S. Steel’s steelmaking facilities, according to U.S. Steel.

The plant operates 10 coke oven batteries and annually produces more than 4 million tons of coke, a type of fuel used in the steelmaking process, per U.S. Steel.

According to reports, people are trapped under the rubble as emergency crews work to rescue them.

Abigail Gardner, director of communications for Allegheny County, said there are no confirmed fatalities yet.

More from the New York Post:

The Allegheny County Emergency Services said a fire at the plant started around 10:51 a.m. and that it has transported five people.

The agency did not provide any more details on those people transported and would only say it was an “active scene.”

The Clairton Coke Works, a massive industrial facility along the Monongahela River south of Pittsburgh, is considered the largest coking operation in North America.

 

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