Adger, Alabama – A devastating explosion rocked the small town of Adger, located 25 miles southwest of Birmingham, on March 8. The explosion at the home of W.M. Griffice, 78, occurred while he was relaxing in his recliner and his grandson, Anthony Hill, 21, was in bed, resulting in catastrophic burns for both individuals. Both were rushed to a Birmingham hospital, where they continue to fight for their lives a week later. The explosion left the house reduced to a small, scorched footprint in the Alabama clay.
Griffice had expressed concerns to his granddaughter, Kenzie, in the days leading up to the explosion, believing that his house was in danger of exploding. Representatives from Oak Grove, a nearby coal mine, had visited Griffice’s home multiple times and had discovered methane gas in his water well on one occasion, which they subsequently capped. Additionally, Griffice had reported hearing loud booms that shook the ground beneath his feet, leaving him feeling uneasy.
In a lawsuit filed in Jefferson County Circuit Court, an attorney for Griffice and Hill attributed the explosion to a buildup of methane gas as a result of Oak Grove’s mining activities under Griffice’s home. The lawsuit alleged negligence on the part of the mining company for failing to take adequate precautions to prevent the migration of methane gas into the home.
The Oak Grove mine, operated by Crimson Oak Grove Resources, LLC, is situated beneath a proposed expansion of an underground longwall mine, as confirmed by a review of state and federal mining records. The mine has a history of safety violations, including citations related to the ignition of accumulated methane gas. The lawsuit claims that the explosion caused significant injuries to Griffice and Hill, with potential long-term consequences.
The dangers of longwall mining, particularly in relation to methane escaping from underground coal mines, pose a significant risk to communities in places like Alabama and across Appalachia. Methane, a naturally occurring gas in coal seams, can lead to explosive hazards if leaked to the surface. The longwall mining method used by Oak Grove involves machines shearing off coal slices across vast expanses, with potential consequences for the integrity of the land above the mines.
State investigators and regulatory agencies are looking into the explosion, with concerns raised about the impact of the mining activities on the local community. There have been previous incidents of subsidence and methane leaks in the area, highlighting the need for thorough investigations to ensure public safety. The lawsuit filed by Griffice and Hill underscores the potential risks associated with mining activities and the importance of accountability for ensuring the well-being of individuals living near mining sites.
The devastating explosion has not only resulted in physical injuries but has also taken an emotional toll on Kenzie Hill, who grew up in the now-destroyed home. The loss of her childhood home has left her with irreplaceable memories and a sense of loss for a place that held significance in her life. Moving forward, efforts to determine the cause of the explosion and address the broader implications of mining-related risks are crucial for preventing similar incidents and safeguarding the community from potential harm.