Man injured in explosion at Westmoreland County steel plant dies

LOWER BURRELL, Pa. — A man who was injured in an explosion at a Westmoreland County steel plant has died.

On Thursday, the Allegheny County Medical Examiner said Daniel R. Vakulick, 20, of Tarentum, died at Allegheny Valley Hospital on Wednesday at 12:48 p.m.

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He was one of two people hurt in an explosion at Braeburn Alloy Steel. His truck is still parked in the employee parking lot. Loved ones have left flowers and other items there in his memory.

“It’s very hard to get that kind of news,” said Mary Jane Zdila, who works at Natrona Bottling across the river from the steel plant.

Zdila said she had many relatives and friends work in the steel industry.

“I’m somewhat familiar with the makings of steel, and when you hear these explosions, it’s rather scary and you hope no one’s gotten hurt, but you never know,” Zdila said.

During the reported furnace explosion, five people were initially checked out for injuries, and Vakulick and another person were rushed to the hospital.

Zdila didn’t see any smoke or hear an explosion Wednesday, but she said that didn’t surprise her.

“The furnaces are so well contained that nothing escapes form the furnace,” Zdila told Channel 11′s Andrew Havranek. “There could be interior damage to the furnace, or it spills out, and anybody near it, that’s where they’re in danger.”

Braeburn Alloy has been around for 125 years, and employs fewer than 50 people. The plant processes metal alloys like titanium, stainless steel, and more.

Right now, there is no word on what caused the explosion, but Zdila wondered if it could have been related to the extreme cold.

“Extreme cold can play a part in things that do happen depending on what they’re putting in to create the steel that they’re making,” she said.

She said her heart aches for Vakulick’s family and friends, and his coworkers at the plant.

“My heart does go out,” she said. “You have my deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I know at this time it’s extremely difficult. I’ve been through my family losses, and I can sympathize and empathize with yinz.”

In a statement to Channel 11, Joseph Paparone, the President of Braeburn Alloy Steel LLC said, “Braeburn Alloy Steel mourns the loss of a valued teammate. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by this tragedy. Our team’s safety, well being, and continued support remain our highest priority. Our company continues to work with all authorities.”

OSHA is investigating the incident at the plant. They say they have six months to investigate and release their findings.

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