Bishop Mark Eckman of the Diocese of Pittsburgh issued an Aug. 11 statement of prayer for all those impacted by explosions at the US Clairton Coke Works plant in Clairton, Pennsylvania, that killed at least one person and injured 10 people.
“It is with a heavy heart that I join our neighbors in mourning after the tragic explosions earlier today at the Clairton Coke Works,” Bishop Eckman said. “My deepest prayers are with the person who has died, with those who are injured, and with the workers who are still missing. I pray especially for their families, friends, co-workers, and all who are carrying heavy worry in their hearts.”
He also expressed gratitude for the medical personnel, first responders, and everyone striving to help and offer hope amid the tragedy.
“At times like this, our faith calls us to stand together in compassion, in prayer, and in care for one another,” Bishop Eckman said. “May our parish communities be places of comfort for those who are hurting, and may the Lord grant peace to the one who has died, strength to those who mourn, and safety to all who serve.”
According to WTAE 4, an ABC affiliate, search and rescue efforts are underway for one person who remains unaccounted for, Allegheny County EMS Chief Matthew Brown said in a 3 p.m. press conference.
According to David Burritt, the president of US Steel Corporation, the explosions occurred at coke oven batteries 13 and 14 inside the plant. Plants like the one in Clairton create the fuel coke from coal to use in the refining process of steel production. Coke oven batteries, where coke is created, are a group of ovens connected by walls, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. An investigation into the cause of the explosions is ongoing.
Burritt said that almost 1,300 men and women work at the Clairton plant.
“During times like this, US Steel employees come together to extend their love, prayers, and support to everyone affected,” Burritt said.
Officials arrived at the plant before 11 a.m. to respond to the explosions, which left workers buried under the wreckage and rubble, according to the Associated Press. Fourteen local fire departments and 20 EMS agencies came to the plant to help with search and rescue, Brown said, according to WTAE 4. Multiple injured employees were taken to the hospital, and as of 4 p.m. five of them had been released, the outlet reported.
This is a developing story.