Aberfan: The Village That Fought Back review
As we witness the endless indignities these grieving families have endured in the six decades since the mining disaster, it is impossible not to turn red with rage
TL;DR
- The Aberfan disaster on October 21, 1966, resulted in the deaths of 116 children and 28 adults when a colliery spoil tip engulfed a primary school and surrounding houses.
- The National Coal Board (NCB) and the government faced criticism for their slow and inadequate response, showing contempt for the victims' families.
- An inquiry found the NCB responsible due to negligence in building the tip on unstable ground over springs, but no further action was taken against the board.
- The NCB demanded funds from the Aberfan Disaster Fund to help with the costly removal of the spoil tip.
- Villagers organized and fought for decades to expose the truth, seek justice, and receive fair compensation.
- Government documents released later confirmed the deep sense of betrayal felt by the community, particularly from the Labour government and the nationalized coal board.
- Despite the passage of time and subsequent national tragedies, no individual was ever held personally accountable for the Aberfan disaster.