The Aberfan Disaster

The tribunal found that the disaster could and should have been prevented and placed responsibility on the National Coal Board. Aberfan became an enduring example of institutional failure, while later legislation created stronger duties for the operation and safety of mining tips.

- A mass of colliery waste moved down the mountainside into Aberfan. - The recorded death toll was 144 people, 116 of them children.

- The Secretary of State for Wales appointed the tribunal on 26 October 1966. - Its evidence included witness statements, hearing transcripts, meteorological reports, correspondence and plans. - The tribunal's first finding placed blame on the National Coal Board. - It concluded that the disaster could and should have been prevented.

- The 1969 Act imposed duties concerning active mine and quarry tips, including rules, plans and geological records. - It also gave local authorities powers to seek information, test disused tips and require remedial operations.

The National Coal Board operated the coal tip; the disaster was not a created work - associated person or organisation

A slide of colliery waste that struck the village and Pantglas Junior School

Historical event - Investigated by a public tribunal; Parliament later enacted the Mines and Quarries (Tips) Act 1969

- **The Aberfan Tribunal** - **Aberfan Disaster — House of Commons debate** · Archived copy - **Mines and Quarries (Tips) Act 1969** · Archived copy

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