Sunday, January 05, 2025, 4:57AM |  19°
MENU
Advertisement
The leak that broke after a contractor working on the building drilled a hole, continues to disperse fire protection fluid from a column of the U.S. Steel Tower Downtown on Thursday, April 6, 2023.
4
MORE

Crews work to contain caustic liquid leak at U.S. Steel Tower in Downtown Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Crews work to contain caustic liquid leak at U.S. Steel Tower in Downtown Pittsburgh

Three people were treated for minor exposure to caustic liquid after a leak in the U.S. Steel Tower Downtown on Wednesday evening.

The problem occurred after a contractor working on the building drilled a hole, causing a leak from a column of the building that is filled with fire protection fluid, Pittsburgh Public Safety spokeswoman Amanda Mueller said. 

Hazmat crews arrived just after 7 p.m. to help control the leak, and it was contained by about 10:30 p.m. 

Advertisement

Ms. Mueller said three people, including two police officers, were treated at the scene for their exposure to the liquid, which can cause skin irritation. The hazmat teams were collecting the fluid and containing it in vacuum trucks.

Ms. Mueller said the crews were coordinating with Alcosan and the state Department of Environmental Protection.

The emergency response clogged up roads throughout Downtown for hours Wednesday night. Police dispatchers earlier said buses trying to leave the Greyhound station at 55 11th St. were having trouble getting out of the inner city.

The tower, at 600 Grant St., is home to UPMC’s world headquarters.

Advertisement

First Published: April 6, 2023, 1:40 a.m.
Updated: April 6, 2023, 10:12 a.m.

RELATED
SHOW COMMENTS (14)  
Join the Conversation
Commenting policy | How to Report Abuse
If you would like your comment to be considered for a published letter to the editor, please send it to letters@post-gazette.com. Letters must be under 250 words and may be edited for length and clarity.
Partners
Advertisement
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws a pass in Pittsburgh during an NFL football game on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025.
1
sports
Instant analysis: Steelers stumble to 4th consecutive loss to end regular season
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025.
2
sports
Steelers officially clinch 2nd place in AFC North with Ravens win; 2025 home and road opponents set
Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin talks with officials while playing the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in the North Shore.
3
sports
Steelers-Bengals: Gerry Dulac's quarterly analysis
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Montravius Adams (57) tackles Cincinnati Bengals running back Khalil Herbert (34) at Acrisure Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in the North Shore.
4
sports
Paul Zeise chats live during Steelers-Bengals Week 18 matchup
U.S. Steel Corp. Mon Valley Works Edgar Thomson Plant in Braddock on Dec. 18, 2023.
5
opinion
Editorial: Blocking Nippon deal is a death sentence for Pittsburgh steel
The leak that broke after a contractor working on the building drilled a hole, continues to disperse fire protection fluid from a column of the U.S. Steel Tower Downtown on Thursday, April 6, 2023.  (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
The leak that broke after a contractor working on the building drilled a hole, continues to disperse fire protection fluid from a column of the U.S. Steel Tower Downtown on Thursday, April 6 ,2023.  (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Crews work to contain and clean up a leak at the U.S.Steel Tower Downtown on Thursday April 6, 2023.  (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Pittsburgh police block traffic along Bigelow Boulevard, near U.S. Steel Tower on Thursday, April 6, 2023, where a leak that broke out after a contractor working on the building drilled a hole.  (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Advertisement
LATEST local
Advertisement
TOP
Email a Story