People in Aberfan, south Wales, are remembering the disaster 60 years ago when a coal waste tip collapsed on a school and homes. On 21 October 1966, 116 children and 28 adults were killed when the colliery spoil tip collapsed and engulfed Pantglas Junior School and surrounding houses. Emergency services, miners and people who rushed to the village began an around-the-clock battle to dig out those trapped by the debris. Mair Morgan, the last surviving teacher at the school, still remembers having to identify the children who died.
A memorial garden stands on the site of the school as the decision was made not to rebuild it after the disaster. King Charles, Queen Camilla and the Prince of Wales will later join survivors, bereaved parents and other members of the community at the garden. A prayer and moment of silence will be held for the community to pay tribute to those who died on this day in 1966. Wales falls silent every year at around 09:13 to mark the approximate time the Aberfan disaster claimed the lives of 144 people, including 116 children. On the 60th anniversary, the royals will visit the Aberfan Memorial Garden which stands on the site of Pantglas Junior School. They will spend time with pupils who survived, siblings of those who died, and members of a support group for mothers who lost children.
The Village's Ynysowen Male Voice Choir - formed in the aftermath of the disaster - will also perform.
