PM visits Aberfan ahead of 60th anniversary of disaster
Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 20 Oct, 11:32 · Archive
Prime Minister Andy Burnham visited Aberfan to pay respects ahead of the 60th anniversary of the 1966 disaster that killed 144 people.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham visited Aberfan on Monday to pay respects ahead of the 60th anniversary of the 1966 disaster. He described it as 'one of the most horrifying tragedies this country has ever seen'. The visit included stops at Aberfan cemetery, where he laid a floral wreath, and the Aberfan Disaster Memorial Garden, which stands on the site of the former Pantglas Junior School. He met survivors and families during the visit.
On October 21, 1966, a coal tip collapsed, sending 150,000 tonnes of coal waste down the hillside and engulfing the school. A total of 144 people lost their lives, including 116 children. Mr Burnham said he felt it was 'very important' to mark the significance of the anniversary and to thank the community 'for being there for each other'.
The Prime Minister pledged enduring support to Aberfan and Wales, emphasising the strength of the community in the face of the tragedy. He highlighted how Aberfan has stood up for other communities affected by disaster, such as Hillsborough and Grenfell.
Mr Burnham said coal tip safety remained of 'critical importance'. The UK Government is providing around £140 million to the Welsh Government to manage Wales' 2,600 disused coal tips. Recent landslips at Tylorstown in 2020 and Cwmtillery in 2024 have highlighted the ongoing risks associated with these tips. 'The funding is there, there's an organisation that is being set up to manage all of these ongoing risks,' he said.
How it is being reported
- PM calls Aberfan 'one of the most horrifying tragedies' before 60th anniversaryThe Prime Minister has described the Aberfan disaster as 'one of the most horrifying tragedies this country has ever seen' on a visit to pay his respects ahead of the 60th anniversary.South Wales Argus · 20 Oct, 10:56
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham's poignant message during Aberfan visitThe tragedy will be remembered on its 60th anniversaryWalesOnline · 19 Oct, 16:02
- 'We owe it to all those who lost their lives at Aberfan to build a better future' Andy BurnhamThe Prime Minister has visited Aberfan ahead of the 60th anniversary and wrote this piece for WalesOnlineWalesOnline · 19 Oct, 13:00
In this story: Andy Burnham · Aberfan · Wales · Pantglas Junior School · Hillsborough · Grenfell
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