Adger, Alabama—In the days leading up to March 8, W.M. Griffice, 78, expressed concerns to his granddaughter, Kenzie, about feeling like his home was at risk of exploding. This ominous prediction turned into reality when a coal mine explosion ripped through Griffice’s house in Adger, leaving him and his grandson, 21, with catastrophic burns. Griffice remains on a ventilator, fighting for his life, while his grandson faces a challenging recovery.
Company representatives from Oak Grove, a nearby coal mine, had visited Griffice’s home multiple times, discovering methane gas in his water well, which they capped. The repeated loud booms and ground-shaking experiences left Griffice uneasy before the explosion occurred, resulting in the complete destruction of his home.
A lawsuit filed in Jefferson County Circuit Court by an attorney representing Griffice and his grandson blamed the explosion on a buildup of methane gas from the mining activities conducted by Oak Grove beneath Griffice’s home. The lawsuit alleges that the technicians failed to take adequate steps to ensure the safety of the home, allowing dangerous levels of methane gas to seep inside.
Oak Grove Mine’s owners and operators did not respond to requests for comment following the incident. An investigation by Inside Climate News revealed a history of safety violations at the mine, including citations related to the ignition of accumulated methane gas.
The dangers of longwall mining, the method used by Oak Grove Mine, present significant risks, as the extraction process can lead to methane leaks that pose threats to both miners and surrounding communities. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is also a hazard for potential explosions and fires when leaked to the surface.
State investigators are looking into the cause of the explosion in Adger, with concerns about methane migration into homes and potential risks of subsidence in the area. The Griffice property was among dozens identified as potentially impacted by subsidence resulting from the mining activities conducted by Oak Grove.
For Kenzie Hill, the loss of her childhood home symbolizes a deep personal tragedy. Beyond the immediate impact on her family, the explosion highlights the broader risks faced by residents in coal mining communities, calling for enhanced safety measures and regulatory oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The aftermath of the explosion in Adger underscores the urgent need for comprehensive investigations and accountability in the mining industry to ensure the safety of residents and prevent potential disasters. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community continues to grapple with the devastating consequences of the explosion and the long-term implications for those affected.