What happened in Wales 55 years ago?
On October 21, 1966, there was a devastating collapse of a colliery spoil tip that became known as the Aberfan catastrophe. The point had been constructed on a steep slope above the Welsh settlement of Aberfan, which is located close to Merthyr Tydfil, and it had covered a natural spring. The accumulation of water within…
On October 21, 1966, there was a devastating collapse of a colliery spoil tip that became known as the Aberfan catastrophe. The point had been constructed on a steep slope above the Welsh settlement of Aberfan, which is located close to Merthyr Tydfil, and it had covered a natural spring. The accumulation of water within the tip as a result of the heavy rainfall caused it to unexpectedly slip downward as a slurry.
What happened in Wales 55 years ago?
Even though it has been fifty-five years since the Aberfan accident, Jeff Edwards still cannot shake the vision of his deceased classmate carrying his lifeless body on his left shoulder. The image is ingrained in his consciousness. The little boy, who was just eight years old at the time, was one of 240 students who were attending Pantglas Junior School at the time when a coal waste tip came tumbling down a hillside and engulfed the school as well as the residences in the surrounding area.
On that day, Friday, October 21, 1966, 116 children and 28 adults passed away, decimating the tight-knit and prosperous town of Merthyr Tydfil, which was located in the valleys of south Wales.
