Aberfan disaster: Wales remembers those lost, 60 years on
King and Queen to join families and survivors as part of official commemorations
A minute's silence is due to be held across Wales this morning, marking exactly 60 years since the Aberfan disaster.
The King and Queen will be joined by the Prince of Wales and the First Minister at today's official remembrance event in the foremr coal mining village, marking six decades since the tragedy.
144 people, 116 of them children, were killed when 150,000 tonnes of coal waste slid down the hillside before engulfing Pantglas Junior School on October 21 1966.
On that day, pupils had been getting ready for lessons on the final day before half-term.
About half the children from the school died in the tragedy. Many others were seriously injured.
Today, the First Minister, Rhun ap Iorwerth, will lead the nation in a moment of reflection to mark the anniversary. He said:
"The tragedy of Aberfan continues to echo down the decades. The community was devastated by the events of 21 October 1966, but it continues to resonate deeply across Wales, the wider United Kingdom, and indeed across the world.
"The impact is reflected in the memorial gardens across Wales, not just in Aberfan, but also in places like Menai Bridge where people commemorated all those who died at Aberfan, as well as all of those whose lives were changed forever in that moment."
Organisations across Wales are being asked to consider observing a minute’s silence at 9.15am.
Sheila Davies served with The Salvation Army in Aberfan in the days following the disaster.
She recalled two conversations with bereaved parents that have stayed with her for six decades.
“One mother answered the door in obvious agony and said, ‘We knew no happiness until she came to live here, and now that's been taken away from us.’ Those words have stayed with me ever since,” said Sheila.
“On another visit, a man opened the door and simply asked, 'Where is your God now?' Even with faith, there are moments when tragedy challenges us. I'm grateful that my faith has sustained me to this day.”
Secretary of State for Wales Stephen Kinnock said: "We think of the families whose lives were shattered, and the parents who buried their children and have carried that unimaginable loss every day since. We think of the survivors who live with the trauma and memory of that terrible day. And we think of the rescuers and volunteers who did everything possible to save lives.
“Aberfan is a community that has shown extraordinary strength, resilience and dignity in the face of such devastating tragedy, coming together time and again to ensure that all who were lost there are never forgotten.
“On behalf of the UK Government, I want to pay tribute to the people of Aberfan, past and present. We stand with you today and we honour the community and the memory of those who lost their lives.”
Road closures in force
A number of commemorative events are taking place in the village throughout the day, leading to road closures. A spokesperson for Merthyr Tydfill CBC said:
"...the police have requested that Pantglas Road, Hillside Close, Moy Road and Coronation Place are closed to all moving traffic from 1900 on Tuesday 20th October until 1600 on Wednesday 21st October.
"There is no designated parking for the 9.15am service at Aberfan Cemetery. On street Parking is permitted in all nearby streets surrounding the cemetery and community centre.
"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your cooperation."