There have been numerous tragedies and catastrophic events in the valley and surrounding areas over the years. The high density of industrialisation and mining made this almost inevitable. But I thought I’d start this page with the story of the tragic loss of life of four very young children and an adult who died while attempting to save them.
The story, which occurred prior to my birth, involved my 6 year old cousin and his 3 schoolmates who fell through the ice on a local pond. The story is best told by a couple of press articles, one written from the perspective of a journalist, and the other written from the perspective of one of the boys.
Unknown source, written/published on an unknown date.
Coal Mining Tragedies
Ynysdavid Colliery, also known as the Meadow Pit in Cwmafan. The death of 12 colliers (miners) due to gas explosion on May 24, 1856, is summarized on this Welsh Coal Mines page.