Episode 12: Aberfan

Episode 12: Aberfan

From Wreckage & Ruins by CC and Kitty

March 18, 2026 · 43 min · Episode 12

About this episode

CC and Kitty discuss the Aberfan disaster, tracing its warning signs, rescue efforts, and aftermath.

In October 1966, a coal spoil tip collapsed above the Welsh village of Aberfan and tore into Pantglas Junior School and nearby homes. The disaster killed 144 people, including 116 children. CC and Kitty trace the warning signs, the rescue, the tribunal findings, and the bitter fight over what came after. Sources: https://www.bgs.ac.uk/case-studies/aberfan-1966-landslide-case-study/ https://historyandpolicy.org/policy-papers/papers/aberfan-no-end-of-a-lesson/ https://www.welshcoalmines.co.uk/GlamEast/MerthyrVale.htm https://mountainsmoving.org/evidence/merthyr-vale-colliery/#:~:text=The%20mine%20changed%20hands%20from,It%20was%20erected%20in%202015 . https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-150d11df-c541-44a9-9332-560a19828c47 https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/mining-and-mineral-resources/mining-debris-buries-welsh-village https://www.felinfach.com/pages/aberfan-disaster?srsltid=AfmBOoru-9KepyPnrQ7aWCcjgbdBEHaa0cZUIBDtxPWSa39F69vaRcvI https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/monetary-policy/inflation/inflation-calculator

Topics covered

  • Aberfan
  • disaster
  • history
  • coal mining

Keywords

  • coal spoil tip
  • Pantglas Junior School
  • tribunal findings

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Aberfan

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