Mine Disaster Claims 13 Lives in Brookwood, Alabama

On September 23, 2001, two gas explosions occurred at the Jim Walter Resources No. 5 mine in Brookwood, Alabama, resulting in the deaths of 13 miners. The incident began with a cave-in that released methane gas throughout the mine. A battery charger striking rock created the initial spark, igniting the highly explosive atmosphere. Coworkers entered the mine to rescue Gaston Adams Jr., but a second, much larger explosion 45 minutes later killed everyone present.

The catastrophe, which was the worst US mining disaster since December 1984, led to questions regarding management practices at the mine. Investigators noted that the mine management failed to implement comprehensive safety installations and checks despite the company reporting a net profit of north of $20 million in the first half of 2001.