The explosion occurred July 13 2004 at Parrish Shaft in Blacksville when North West Fuels Development methane power plant operator John Jenkins entered a portable toilet, sat down and tried to light a cigarette, Associated Press reported.

"When I struck the lighter, the whole thing just detonated -- the whole top blew off," John Jenkins said. "I can't tell you if it blew me out the door or if I jumped out."

Jenkins said he suffered severe burns on his face, neck, arms, torso and legs.

Jenkins’ lawsuit alleges methane gas was leaking from a pipe underneath the toilet. He said the contractor damaged the methane pipes when they were run over. The incident occurred on Eastern Associated Coal’s property.