Aberfan

Aberfan is a small community located in Glamorgan, Wales. Nestled in the Taff Valley, it is situated about four miles south of Merthyr Tydfil and 20 miles north of Cardiff. The village is primarily known for the tragic Aberfan disaster that occurred on October 21, 1966.

Prior to the disaster, Aberfan was a close-knit mining community, with the majority of its residents employed in the nearby colliery. The village was surrounded by lush green hills and had a picturesque charm. It was home to several shops, schools, and places of worship, serving the needs of its approximately 5,000 inhabitants.

However, on that fateful day in 1966, a catastrophic event unfolded when a coal tip on the hillside above the village collapsed, engulfing Pantglas Junior School and nearby houses. The disaster claimed the lives of 144 people, including 116 children, leaving the community devastated and forever changed.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Aberfan received an outpouring of support from around the world. The village underwent significant changes, including the removal of the remaining coal tips and the construction of a memorial garden in remembrance of the victims. Today, Aberfan stands as a symbol of resilience and community spirit, with the disaster still deeply etched in its history.

Despite the tragedy, Aberfan remains a close-knit community, with a strong sense of identity and community pride. It continues to thrive, with its residents working in various industries beyond mining. The village welcomes visitors who come to pay their respects and learn about the events that forever marked Aberfan.