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A powerful explosion at the US Steel Clairton Coke Works plant near Pittsburgh killed two workers and injured at least ten others on Monday morning, according to local officials.

The blast, which happened just before 11 am, sent thick black smoke into the air and could be felt miles away, AP News said.

"It felt like thunder," said construction worker Zachary Buday, who was nearby. "It shook the building and my chest."

After the explosion, one of the two workers who were missing was thankfully found alive trapped in the debris. The other was confirmed dead Monday evening.

Allegheny County Emergency Services described the site as secure but said investigations by local police and federal agencies were ongoing.

The blast damaged two coke oven batteries, which were shut down, though the rest of the massive plant continued operating.

Emergency teams helped many injured workers after the incident. At least seven were taken to Allegheny Health Network hospitals, and three were sent to UPMC Mercy's burn center for specialized care.

Clairton Resident Describes House-Shaking Blast at Steel Plant

Amy Sowers, who lives just under a mile from the explosion site in Clairton, said the blast was so strong it shook her house.

"We heard ambulances and fire trucks from every direction," she said. "You could smell something in the air."

This isn't the first time the Clairton facility has faced safety and environmental issues. Explosions at the plant in 2009 and 2010 caused deaths and injuries.

US Steel has previously been fined for safety violations and settled lawsuits over air pollution, including a $19.5 million agreement just last year.

Dr. Deborah Gentile, who has studied health effects linked to the plant, said she is worried. "I'm very concerned that they aren't keeping their equipment up to date and in shape," she said.

According to USA Today, Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed "multiple explosions" took place and promised full support from the state. Senator John Fetterman visited the site, urging residents to stay indoors while air quality was monitored.

The Allegheny County Health Department lifted its shelter-in-place advisory late Monday, saying no dangerous levels of pollution were found, though community members remained cautious.

Clairton's Mayor Richard Lattanzi described the day as a heartbreaking moment for the steel town, where the plant provides jobs for around 1,400 people.

The plant is the largest coke producer in North America and recently became part of Japan-based Nippon Steel following a $14.9 billion deal.