The grieving families of four men who lost their lives in a devastating mining disaster have renewed calls for inquests to be held into the death of their loved ones to provide much needed answers to questions they have asked for more than a decade.
On September 15, 2011, following routine blasting in the Gleision Colliery near Cilybebyll, Pontardawe, thousands of gallons of water flooded into the tunnel where seven miners were working. Though three of the seven were able to escape to safety, four miners remained trapped. Despite efforts by the Mid and West Wales Fire Service and Mines Rescue, it was confirmed the following day that Charles Breslin, David Powell, Philip Hill, and Garry Jenkins had lost their lives.
Investigations followed and manslaughter charges were brought against both the site manager and MNS Mining Ltd., both were later found not guilty of all charges. Despite this, questions remain over the operation of the mine over several years and what caused the disaster. This was highlighted following a detailed independent investigation that identified a number of troubling issues not previously looked into. You can read more about the tragedy by clicking here.
