Neglect, mud and the death of 116 children. 60 years since the tragedy in Aberfan

On October 21, 1966, a catastrophic landslide in Aberfan, Wales, resulted in the deaths of 144 people, including 116 children. The disaster was caused by a coal waste tip that collapsed after heavy rains, overwhelming the local school and homes. Despite prior warnings about the danger, the National Coal Board ignored the risks. The rescue efforts were challenging, with locals and volunteers digging through mud to save victims. The tragedy highlighted the consequences of industrial negligence and led to significant legal reforms, including the Mines and Quarries Act of 1969, which established stricter safety regulations for waste tips in the UK.