Prime minister visits Aberfan ahead of 60th anniversary of 'horrifying tragedy'
A total of 116 children and 28 adults were killed on 21 October 1966 when a colliery spoil tip collapsed.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham visited the Aberfan memorial garden on Monday to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the tragic colliery spoil tip collapse that killed 116 children and 28 adults in the Welsh town of Aberfan on October 21, 1966. Burnham met Jeff Edwards, one of the last children to be rescued alive from the wreckage, and Welsh Secretary Stephen Kinnock.
The Prime Minister, whose parents had told him about the tragedy during his childhood, expressed concern that the authorities had not treated the community properly and that more needed to be done to ensure coal tip safety in former mining communities. Burnham announced a £140m government investment to improve safety measures, with the Welsh government adding further funding.
He emphasized the strength of the Aberfan community and the importance of acknowledging the town's struggles. King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Prince William are scheduled to visit Aberfan on Wednesday to mark the anniversary, following Queen Elizabeth II, who visited the town eight times during her reign.
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