U.S. Steel's Clairton Coke Works — long flagged for safety and environmental concerns — is under fresh scrutiny after an explosion killed two workers this week. The big picture: Once a defining part of the Pittsburgh region's economy,

Authorities said 10 other workers required hospital treatment — including five listed in critical but stable condition — after an explosion Monday morning at the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works. The cause of the blast has not been determined.

Richard Tikey stood by anxiously until every last one of his colleagues was accounted for after a deadly blast Monday morning at the Clairton Coke Works. He felt it was his duty as vice president of the plant’s union local to stay on scene,

The deadly explosions that happened Monday at U.S. Steel's Clairton Coke Works facility come following several different incidents at the plant over the past several years, including one incident in February.

United States Steel Corp. and its parent company, Nippon Steel Corp. are committed to keeping the Clairton Coke Works operating, U.S. Steel CEO David Burritt said Tuesday.