King Charles III led commemorations on Wednesday marking the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster, a tragic coal slide that destroyed a Welsh school and claimed the lives of 116 children and 28 adults. The event took place in the village of Aberfan, where Charles was joined by Queen Camilla and Prince William to honor the victims and hear from survivors of the catastrophe.

The disaster occurred on October 21, 1966, when a hillside of mining debris from the nearby Merthyr Vale Colliery collapsed after days of heavy rain. Approximately 1.5 million cubic feet of liquefied coal slurry surged down the slope, engulfing Pantglas Junior School and several adjacent homes. At the time, children at the school were beginning their lessons when the flood of sludge reached the buildings.

The coal waste had been accumulated above Aberfan for years despite the presence of numerous underground springs beneath the site, which raised concerns about its stability. Prior to the collapse, warnings about the potential danger of a debris slide had been issued to colliery management.

Following the disaster, a public inquiry lasting 76 days investigated the circumstances leading to the tragedy. While the inquiry highlighted failings by the coal company and local authorities, no individuals were prosecuted or dismissed from their positions as a result.

During the memorial event, King Charles described hearing the personal testimonies of survivors as “profoundly humbling,” reflecting on the enduring impact of the disaster on the community. The anniversary served as both a tribute to those who lost their lives and a reminder of the importance of safety and accountability in industrial practices.