Deadly Explosion at U.S. Steel's Clairton Coke Works Raises Safety Concerns

As Nippon Steel inherits the plant, questions linger about management and environmental issues

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A deadly explosion at U.S. Steel's Clairton Coke Works in August 2025 killed two workers and injured 11 others. The blast highlighted longstanding safety and environmental issues at the aging facility, which has faced a history of accidents, explosions, and air pollution violations. With Japanese steel giant Nippon Steel now owning U.S. Steel, there are questions about whether the new owner will invest significantly to address the plant's problems.

Why it matters

The Clairton Coke Works is a crucial facility for U.S. Steel's steelmaking operations, but its history of safety incidents and environmental violations has raised concerns in the surrounding community. The August 2025 explosion, coming shortly after Nippon Steel's acquisition of U.S. Steel, puts the spotlight on the new owner's plans for addressing the plant's issues and investing in its future.

The details

The August 2025 explosion occurred while workers were preparing to replace a damaged valve, according to the Chemical Safety Board. The agency said the blast was caused by a release of flammable coke oven gas that ignited. The Clairton Coke Works has a history of accidents, including a 2009 fatality, a 2010 explosion that injured 20, and other incidents. Some current and former workers blame poor management and underinvestment by U.S. Steel for operational problems and safety issues at the aging facility.

  • On Aug. 11, 2025, the deadly explosion occurred at the Clairton Coke Works.
  • In June 2025, Nippon Steel acquired U.S. Steel in a $15 billion deal.
  • In January 2027, pollution control equipment at the Clairton plant temporarily broke down, leading to elevated air pollution.

The players

U.S. Steel

The American steel company that owned the Clairton Coke Works facility until its acquisition by Nippon Steel in 2025.

Nippon Steel

The Japanese steel company that acquired U.S. Steel in a $15 billion deal in 2025 and now owns the Clairton Coke Works.

Don Furko

A 25-year steelworker at Clairton Coke Works and former local union president.

Renee Hough

A utility technician at Clairton Coke Works who was on site during the August 2025 explosion.

Chemical Safety Board

The federal agency investigating the August 2025 explosion at the Clairton Coke Works.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I can't even explain how mangled everything was. There were flames everywhere.”

— Don Furko, Steelworker (Pittsburgh's Public Source)

“My first thought was I was dead.”

— Renee Hough, Utility Technician (Pittsburgh's Public Source)

“Safety is not the first priority for them.”

— Brian Pavlack, Current Clairton Coke Works Worker (Pittsburgh's Public Source)

What’s next

The Chemical Safety Board has recommended that U.S. Steel conduct a siting evaluation of all buildings at the Clairton plant to identify and assess potential hazards for workers. It remains to be seen how Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel will address the board's findings and invest in improving safety and environmental compliance at the facility.

The takeaway

The deadly explosion at the Clairton Coke Works has heightened concerns about safety and environmental issues at the aging facility, which has a long history of accidents and pollution violations under U.S. Steel's ownership. With Nippon Steel now in charge, there are questions about whether the new owner will make the necessary investments to address these chronic problems and ensure the plant's safe and environmentally responsible operation.