The deadly explosion at Clairton Coke Works near Pittsburgh occurred when a gas valve was flushed before planned maintenance, U.S. Steel said in preliminary findings.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The fatal explosion last week at U.S. Steel’s Pittsburgh-area coal-processing plant has revived debate about its future just as the iconic American company was emerging from a long period of uncertainty.

U.S. Steel released preliminary findings about the potential cause of Monday's deadly explosion at U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works.