12/20/66: A Date of Infamy
The Aberfan Disaster
On December 20, 1966, a tragedy of unimaginable proportions struck the small Welsh mining village of Aberfan. On that fateful day, a catastrophic landslide of colliery waste tips slid down a hill, engulfing the local Pantglas Junior School and several nearby houses.
The Aftermath
The disaster resulted in the deaths of 144 people, including 116 schoolchildren, most of whom were between the ages of 7 and 10. The rescue efforts were hindered by the remote location and harsh weather conditions, adding to the horrors of the tragedy.
The Cause of the Disaster
The landslide was caused by the instability of the waste tips, which had been built on a hillside over a period of several years. The National Coal Board (NCB) was responsible for the maintenance of the tips, but a series of warnings and concerns raised by local residents and authorities were ignored.
Investigation and Consequences
The subsequent investigation into the disaster revealed a catalogue of errors and negligence on the part of the NCB. The inquiry found that the organization had failed to take adequate measures to prevent the tragedy, and several officials were held responsible.
The Aberfan disaster led to a major overhaul of the mining industry's safety regulations and procedures. It also resulted in the establishment of the Aberfan Disaster Fund, which provided financial support to the families of the victims and the local community.
Remembering the Victims
The Aberfan Disaster Memorial Garden was built in memory of the victims, and a memorial service is held annually on the anniversary of the tragedy. The disaster remains one of the darkest chapters in Welsh history, and its legacy continues to be felt to this day.
In Memoriam
- 116 schoolchildren
- 28 adults
- A community forever changed
