Class action lawsuit claims people living in Mon Valley are due money after 2018 U.S. Steel fire at Clairton Coke Works

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A class action lawsuit for thousands of people in the Mon Valley alleges that they are due money following a fire at the Clairton Coke Works back in 2018. 

The lawsuit states that the 2018 fire made many people sick and now they want the company to be held accountable.

The lawsuit also states that the fire at the Clairton Coke Works caused spiking emissions, poisonous odors and physical discomforts. Some symptoms included burning throats, watery eyes, headaches and difficulty breathing.

"They experienced discomforts, noxious odors, particularly sulfurous or rotten eggs odors that would interfere with their ability to use and enjoy their homes the way they might otherwise like," said Dave Baltmanis, who is one of the attorneys from Miner, Barnhill and Galland P.C. in Chicago representing the case.

The 2018 fire lasted for about two hours and ripped through the plant's control room, damaging equipment and shutting down its pollution control system. Then the Allegheny County Health Department warned residents about the levels of sulfur dioxide.

In 2021, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh determined that the fire made people sick and worsened asthma symptoms.

The plaintiffs in the case say that U.S. Steel should have prevented the fire, claiming it started because of mechanical failures and poor maintenance.

Baltmanis said a recent court ruling will allow them to proceed with the case. 

"We're very excited about the judge's decision," said Baltmanis. "What this means is that the six plaintiffs who brought this case can now stand as representatives of all the folks who lived in these 22 communities during the period of time U.S. Steel was operating without sulfur pollution controls."

Baltmanis said the fire and pollution could have been avoided. 

"We allege that U.S. Steel could have and should have prevented this fire through better maintenance inspections of the Clairton Coke Works," said Baltmanis. 

"In particular, an investigation showed long-term corrosion that ultimately lead to the events that created the fire," he added.

The U.S. Steel media relations manager said in a statement:

"We are reviewing the Judge's opinion and cannot comment on pending litigation.

"Environmental stewardship is a core value at U. S. Steel, and we remain committed to the safety of our employees and the communities where we live and work."

Baltmanis said it will take them a few months to prepare for the case and take it to trial to try and hold U.S. Steel accountable. Baltmanis said they plan to have community meetings in the Mon Valley area to hear from residents and keep them updated on the case.