U.S. Steel has shared their preliminary findings in what they believe led to an explosion that killed two people and injured 10 on Monday at the Clairton Coke Works.
In a release, U.S. Steel says the explosion happened during planned maintenance.
“Preliminary indications lead us to believe that the explosion happened when flushing a gas valve, in preparation for planned maintenance,” a release reads. “Pressure built inside the valve, leading to valve failure and coke oven gas filling the area and ultimately exploding when finding an ignition source.”
U.S. Steel adds it’s still early in the investigation and more information will be provided in the future.
The United Steelworkers and third-party investigators have been reviewing video and interviewing employees while looking for answers.
U.S. Steel says it’s “focus remains on our employees and their families during this difficult time.”
39-year-old Timothy Quinn and 52-year-old Steven Menefee have been identified as the two victims that died in the accident.
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