A DATE for the inquest into the deaths of four men in a colliery disaster more than a decade ago could be set shortly.
On September 15, 2011, four men died after being trapped in the Gleision Colliery near Cilybebyll, Pontardawe, after thousands of gallons of water flooded the tunned they were carrying out routine blasting in.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Mines Rescue made efforts to rescue the four, but the following day, it was confirmed that Charles Breslin, David Powell, Philip Hill and Garry Jenkins had died.
Manslaughter charges were brought against the site manager and MNS Mining Ltd but both were found not guilty of all charges.
Many people, including Sioned Williams MS, have spent years campaigning for the need of a full inquest, which was initially opened and then adjourned in 2013, citing evidence from an independent investigation which showed a number of issued that had not previously been looked into, questioning the operation of the mine and what led to the disaster.
It was agreed in December 2022, two months after legal arguments were given in favour of a full inquest, for the coroner to agree to open an inquest.
On Friday, March 24, the process into opening a full inquest began, with the formal agreement to the terms. The coroner will then announce a date for the inquest shortly.
On the same date, a cherry blossom tree was planted in Rhos Park to commemorate those who were killed.
Sioned Williams said: “This morning, together with the National Trust, local community representatives, and some of the victims’ families, I planted a cherry tree in commemoration of Charles Breslin, David Powell, Philip Hill and Garry Jenkins.”
The National Trust is working with members of the Senedd to plant trees in locations where they represent.
Ms Williams continued: “I thought it would be fitting to bring the community together to plant a tree next to the memorial dram in Rhos Park. The tree will serve as a reminder of the disaster and of those who lost their lives.
“However, as important as it is that we commemorate the lives of the four men who were so tragically lost that day, what’s even more crucial is that the victims’ families get justice.”
She said how she was delighted that the campaign was successful but that it has ‘taken far too long amount of time to get to this point.’
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