Merthyr Tydvil Coal-Tip Disaster Scene A policeman surrounded by an anguished crowd carries a child away from the scene after a mound of thousands of tons of coal pit waste slipped, engulfing a school and houses. Latest reports said it was estimated that 125 children were missing and four teachers. The coal waste moved like an avalanche and engulfed an infants school and eight houses at Aberfan, near Merthyr Tydvil, Wales. 21st October 1966.