Pennsylvania: explosion at steel plant leaves at least two dead and ten injured

Two workers died and 10 were injured Monday after explosions at a steel plant in the northeastern state of Pennsylvania, authorities and the steel company said.

The explosion, which produced a significant plume of black smoke, occurred in the "coke (coal) oven batteries" where about 1,300 people work daily, US Steel Clairton Coke Works said in a statement sent to AFP.

The company and Allegheny County police reported that two people were found dead.

Ten people were taken to hospital, one of whom had been reported missing, authorities said. The plant is located about 25 kilometers from the city of Pittsburgh.

"Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our employees and the environment. We are working closely with the relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the incident," the official statement added.

"At times like this, US Steel employees come together to express their love, prayers and support for all those affected," stated David Burritt, the company's chief executive officer.

Some media reported that there were people trapped under the rubble from the explosion.