• Two people have died and more than ten have been injured in multiple explosions at the US Steel Clairton Coke Works.
• Emergency workers are engaged in a rescue operation, with reports of some individuals trapped under rubble.
• The Pennsylvania governor has confirmed an active scene and advised locals to heed directions from officials.
• The plant has a history of safety concerns and pollution issues.
• Investigation into the cause of the explosions is ongoing.

An explosion at the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works plant near Pittsburgh on August 11 has resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left numerous others injured, according to Allegheny County officials. Emergency crews are still conducting rescue operations as several people are reported trapped under debris from the blasts. Eyewitnesses described the incident as powerful enough to shake nearby homes, and smoke could be seen rising above the site, indicating damage was substantial, according to HuffPost and Reuters.

Local emergency services reported that the explosions occurred around 10:51 AM ET, triggering widespread concern throughout the community. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed his administration's communication with local officials. He urged the nearby residents to follow local authorities’ guidance as the scene is still defined as "active," indicating ongoing rescue efforts, according to Los Angeles Times and Reuters.

The Clairton plant is known as the largest coking facility in North America and has been a part of the industrial landscape for over a century. Concerns regarding safety and environmental pollution at the plant have been prevalent, with the facility having settled multiple lawsuits related to emissions and safety violations in previous years. Recent incidents included a fire earlier this year caused by a battery malfunction, which resulted in a buildup of combustible materials. In response to the latest event, air quality monitors did not indicate dangerous levels of pollutant gases, prompting initial health advisories for local residents, according to BBC and SFGate.

Investigations into the cause of the explosions are underway, with officials indicating that it will be a lengthy process. U.S. Steel, now a subsidiary of Nippon Steel following a major acquisition, is working closely with authorities to ascertain details surrounding this catastrophic event. The implications of the accident on safety protocols and operations at the plant are expected to be significant, as local community members have raised their concerns regarding recurring safety lapses in the industrial complex, as reported by Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.