“We’re going to support the local investigators, the state investigators, and the federal investigators. We’re going to make sure we get to the root cause. And when we get to the root cause, we can be assured this will never happen again,” U. S. Steel president and chief executive officer Dave Burritt said during a press conference at the facility. 

Two people were killed and 10 others were injured in the incident, which occurred around 11 a.m. Monday at the plant’s Nos. 13 and 14 batteries.

One of the deceased was identified as Timothy “TQ” Quinn, 39. Officials declined to identify the other person. 

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who attended the press conference, said he met with Quinn’s sister and girlfriend earlier in the day and learned that he was a loyal son, a devoted father of three and a second-generation steelworker. Shapiro also said Quinn was mentor to his fellow steelworkers, “someone who you would go to on a rough day when you needed a joke.”

“We have a responsibility to remember his legacy,” Shapiro said. 

U. S. Steel chief manufacturing officer Scott Buckiso said the incident occurred during what was an otherwise typical day at the plant -- coal was being charged into the furnaces, coke was being pushed and a nearby crew was preparing for a routine maintenance project that was to take place in the time ahead. 

Earlier reports said there were three explosions, with two smaller blasts following the initial explosion. Buckiso, however, on Tuesday said there was but one explosion of coke oven gas. The other two, he said, were pressure relief values on the Nos. 19 and 20 batteries popping off as a result of back pressure from the first explosion. 
 
“They did exactly what they were supposed to do from a safety standpoint,” he said. 

The 13-14 batteries will remain closed during the investigation. The 19-20 batteries are being repaired and will be returned to service, Buckiso said. 

The coke plant has a long and complicated relationship with the broader community. While it has been a steady, generational employer, it has been the focus of many environmental concerns. 

Shapiro was asked whether he thought it was possible to maintain the aging plant and its payroll, while securing its safety. 

“I believe we can do all of the above. We can make sure neighbors who live in the area have confidence in the air they breathe and the water they drink, that the workers who come here very day have confidence in the safety of this facility,” he said. 

He added that Nippon Steel Corp.’s promised capital investments that were part of its recent acquisition of U. S. Steel will ultimately allow the facility to operate more safely and more efficiently and ensure that steelmaking will continue in the Pittsburgh region. 

Burritt, too, said he believed the plant would continue to operate. 

“You can count on this facility to be around for a long time,” he said.