By Alabama Public Radio
Brookwood, AL – A settlement has been reached in several lawsuits that stemmed from a 2001 explosion in a mine in Brookwood. The explosion at Jim Walter Resources' Blue Crek Mine 5 killed 13 coal miners. Jim Walter officials announced the settlement Friday. Company officials say the agreement was made by all of the involved parties, but they would not comment on the settlement details. Jim Walter president and chief operating officer Goerge Richmond said in a statement that he is grateful the matter has been resolved. Richmond also acknowledged that the past three years have been difficult and emotional both for surviving family members and for the company and its employees.