Thirteen miners were killed when a methane gas explosion ripped through Jim Walter Resources Inc.'s Blue Creek Number 5 Mine in Brookwood, Alabama on September 23, 2001. The explosion occurred when falling rocks struck workers' helmets, striking sparks which ignited methane gas that had accumulated in the mine shaft.
An initial explosion injured six miners, and a second, more serious explosion and fire erupted as rescue workers attempted to assist miners trapped and injured during the first explosion. The second methane explosion occurred as methane levels in the shaft rose to perilous levels as the mine's ventilation system failed. The miners killed during the second explosion are being called heroes, as they rushed into harm's way in an effort to rescue their downed co-workers.
The accident, one of the deadliest in U.S. history, is a reminder that mining continues to be a very hazardous occupation. While safety at U.S. mines has improved over the last decade, records show that the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) cited the Blue Creek Number 5 mine over 600 times in 1999 alone. Additionally, the Brookwood, Alabama Jim Walter mine suffered another major accident in 1993 when four miners were seriously injured in a similar methane gas explosion.
Rescue workers are currently concentrating on extinguishing the still burning fire in Blue Creek Number 5. Reports indicate that the fire could burn for several more days. Representatives from MSHA will conduct an investigation into the tragedy once conditions within the mine are stabilized.