W.M. Griffice: Alabama Home Explosion Tragedy

ADGER, Ala.—He had expressed his concerns to his granddaughter, Kenzie, in the days leading up to March 8, stating that he had a feeling his home was going to explode. Unfortunately, W.M. Griffice, 78, was proven right.

According to Kenzie, representatives from Oak Grove, a nearby coal mine, had visited Griffice’s home multiple times in Adger, a small town located 25 miles southwest of Birmingham. On one occasion, they discovered methane gas in Griffice’s water well, which they promptly capped. Additionally, Griffice had been hearing loud booms, strong enough to shake the ground beneath him. All of these occurrences left Griffice feeling uneasy.

Then, on the fateful day, as Griffice sat in his recliner and his grandson, 21-year-old Anthony Hill, lay in bed, the home exploded, leaving behind only a small, scorched footprint in the Alabama clay. Both Griffice and Hill were rushed to a Birmingham hospital with severe burns.

As Griffice remains on a ventilator, fighting for his life a week later, Hill is also hospitalized, facing a long and arduous recovery, as per the family.

In a lawsuit filed in Jefferson County Circuit Court this week, an attorney representing Griffice and Hill attributed the explosion to a buildup of methane gas caused by the mining activities of Oak Grove beneath Griffice’s home.

The lawsuit stated, “Defendants failed to exercise due care when they inspected the Griffice home. Rather than taking adequate steps to make the home safe or providing Mr. Griffice detectors that could provide warning of elevated methane levels inside his home, those technicians allowed potentially deadly levels of methane gas to migrate into Mr. Griffice’s home.”

Despite repeated attempts, Oak Grove Mine owners and operators did not respond to requests for comment.

Concerns Raised Over Mining Activities

An investigation by Inside Climate News revealed that Griffice’s home is situated over a proposed expansion of an underground longwall mine operated by Crimson Oak Grove Resources, LLC, one of the defendants named in the lawsuit. Records also show that Oak Grove has a history of safety violations, including citations related to the ignition of accumulated methane gas.

Kenzie Hill expressed her disbelief at witnessing the destruction of the home she grew up in. She recounted feeling the ground shake in recent months and hearing distant booms that would rattle the entire house. Cracks in the yard and road further indicated the toll the mining activities were taking on their home and community.

The concerns extended beyond the Griffice household, with a gas station in nearby Oak Grove ceasing fuel sales in July 2023 due to safety and environmental worries related to underground mining. Additionally, a local park situated on mining company land had its gates locked over safety concerns associated with mining activity and remains closed.

Kathy Love, executive director of the Alabama Surface Mining Commission, acknowledged the tragic event and stated that all agencies involved are committed to determining the underlying cause of the explosion.

The mine is operated by Crimson Oak Grove Resources, Inc., a limited liability corporation, with American Consolidated Natural Resources, Inc., identified as the parent company. The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of the company, resulting in life-changing injuries for Griffice and Hill.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Hill remains optimistic, noting the resilience of her grandfather and brother in surviving the explosion. She described Griffice as a typical country grandfather who enjoys hunting and fishing, emphasizing his strength and character.

Environmental Implications of Longwall Mining

Longwall mining, as practiced by Oak Grove Mine, poses inherent risks, particularly in terms of methane leakage. Methane, a byproduct of coal seams, can present explosive threats to miners and surrounding communities when not properly managed.

The collapse of the rock ceiling in longwall mining can cause subsidence, leading to fissures that allow methane to seep into water wells or homes. Federal and state regulations focus on mitigating methane concentrations within mines but do not address methane emissions from ventilation systems or leaks.

Spadaro, a former federal mine safety engineer, highlighted the potential dangers associated with longwall mining, particularly in gassy coal seams. He emphasized the need for thorough evaluations of the area to safeguard residents from methane migration and potential explosions.

The lawsuit against Oak Grove Mine underscores the importance of accountability and public safety in the wake of the Adger explosion. The devastating impact on the Griffice family serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with coal mining activities.

As investigations continue into the cause of the explosion, the community remains vigilant, seeking answers and justice for the victims. The loss of the family home represents not just a physical destruction but a profound emotional and personal loss for Kenzie Hill and her family.