What Happened At Aberfan? This Is The Full Story | The Crown

The Tragedy of Aberfan: A National Regret

Overview of the Aberfan Disaster

• In 1966, a coal tip collapsed in Aberfan, South Wales, crashing into Pantglas Junior School and resulting in the loss of many lives.

• The event is explored in episode three of The Crown, highlighting Queen Elizabeth's struggle with her role as a national figurehead amidst tragedy.

• The episode reflects on class themes and the impact of mining communities in South Wales during this period.

Historical Context of Mining Communities

• Coal mining was vital to Welsh communities from the 19th century until the early 20th century, providing jobs and forming tight-knit communities.

• By the 1960s, coal mining was declining due to competition from oil; however, it remained central to village life in Aberfan and surrounding areas.

• Large waste tips were common around mines but posed significant risks; previous slides had occurred without major incidents.

The Day of the Disaster

• Concerns about Tip Number Seven had been raised for years due to its precarious location above Pantglas Junior School.

• Warnings from engineers and local councillors went unheeded by the National Coal Board prior to the disaster.

• On October 21, heavy rainfall turned the tip into slurry; workers rushed down to warn about its instability but were too late.

Impact of the Landslide

• At approximately 9:15 a.m., just as classes began, an avalanche struck Pantglas Junior School at high speed.

• Survivors described hearing a loud noise akin to a jet plane as they faced an overwhelming wave of mud that engulfed their surroundings.

Rescue Efforts and Aftermath

• Miners participated in rescue efforts using their hands initially due to fears that machinery would worsen conditions for trapped individuals.

• Despite some survivors being rescued, recovery operations took over a week; ultimately, 116 children and 28 adults lost their lives.

• Queen Elizabeth visited Aberfan eight days post-disaster amid criticism for her delayed response; she later expressed regret over not visiting sooner.

Long-term Effects on Survivors

• Many survivors experienced PTSD and survivor's guilt while parents felt remorse for sending their children to school that day.

• The community mourned collectively; those who died became known as "Aberfan's lost generation," leading to anger directed at authorities during official inquiries.

The Aftermath of the Alba Van Disaster

Initial Reactions and Accountability

• The chairman of the National Coal Board (NCB), Lord Robins, prioritized a ceremony over visiting the disaster site immediately after the incident.

• During his eventual visit, he claimed that no one from the board was aware of a spring beneath the tip, deflecting responsibility for the disaster.

• The NCB attributed blame to heavy rain and geological factors rather than their own policies or actions.

• A tribunal later criticized the NCB for its lack of policy regarding tips, ultimately placing full blame on them despite no prosecutions or job losses among board members.

• Lord Robins offered his resignation but only after being assured it would not be accepted; he remained in his position and chaired a committee on health and safety regulations afterward.

Treatment of Victims' Families

• Following the disaster, families of victims were treated insensitively by both the NCB and government officials, as noted in a 2000 study.

• Victims' families were often viewed as troublemakers during legal battles concerning compensation and support.

Financial Implications for Community

• A disaster fund raised approximately £1.75 million globally but faced legal disputes that delayed aid to affected families.

• The NCB refused to take financial responsibility for removing dangerous tips surrounding Alba Van; instead, funds were taken from community donations by the government to cover removal costs.

• This action was perceived as another blow to an already devastated community, described by media as a second disaster for Alba Van; repayment occurred in 1997 without accounting for inflation, which would have significantly increased its value.

Cultural Representation and Sensitivity

• Peter Morgan expressed intent to include Alba Van's story in "The Crown," ensuring collaboration with local residents to portray events sensitively while reaching a broader audience.

• Local individuals connected to victims participated in filming; some appeared as extras while a male voice choir formed post-disaster contributed musically to an episode scene.

Lasting Impact on Community

• Filming took place near Alba Van rather than within it due to sensitivities; CGI recreated significant elements like tips and weather conditions leading up to the disaster.

• Over fifty years later, trauma from this event remains palpable within the community; therapy was offered during public screenings related to "The Crown."

• The legacy of Alba Van serves as a symbol of corporate negligence towards working-class communities across Wales, highlighting ongoing emotional scars left by such disasters.