#aberfandisaster

[jimboeth]

Got @van.project.vera back from the garage. To break in the new tyres I drove to the Memorial Gardens on the site of #pantglas Junior School in #aberfan near #MerthyrTydfil. Somewhere I'd wanted to visit for ages. On the 21st October 1966, a National Coal Board colliery spoil tip above the junior school collapsed due to a build-up of water. In contravention of the NCB's official procedures, the tip had been built on ground containing water springs. The tip slid down the mountain above the village at 09:15. It engulfed the school and other buildings, killing 116 children and 28 adults. It was the last day before the half-term holiday. As I left, a dad was pushing a giggling girl on the swings in the play area next door. Today the site is once again rings with children's laughter. #cofioaberfan #aberfandisaster

[thelostkelpie]

50 years today since the Aberfan disaster. Thinking of all those poor little souls who never came home from school. Of their grieving families. Of the few children who survived and of the village that would never be quite the same after the loss of its children. It’s a story that has always haunted me. A totally avoidable disaster and the ones to blame have never been held fully accountable.

[wenderwoman1]

#aberfan #aberfandisaster #neverforgotten