Aberfan marks 60 years since coal tip collapsed on school and homes, killing 116 children and 28 adults

The village of Aberfan marks the 60th anniversary of the 1966 coal tip collapse that killed 144 people, including 116 children. The article reflects on the community's resilience and the ongoing importance of preserving the memory of the disaster.
Why it matters
It serves as a historical reflection on a major industrial tragedy and the long-term social impact on the affected community.
We've worked on the story of the Aberfan disaster many times before, including the 50th anniversary in 2016.
But returning for the 60th anniversary felt different.
Aberfan is not just a story in Welsh history, it's a defining moment that continues to shape lives today.
With every year that passes, there is a greater urgency to record memories before they are lost and to ensure future generations understand what happened here.
Spending time in the village, we were reminded how deeply the disaster still resonates.
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