Appeal launched for families of miners
A NEW appeal has been launched to raise money for the four miners who lost their lives in Gleision Colliery.
Neath MP Peter Hain has called on people to support the families following the tragedy in the mine in Cilybebyll, near Pontardawe in the Swansea Valley.
He said: "Everybody's in a very dark and sombre state but there's a strong feeling that the families should be supported because they have been through hell over the last 36 hours and are facing a very difficult situation."
"That's why a lot of people in the area have got together to launch a Swansea miners appeal fund."
The appeal fund website can be found at www.minersappealfund.org
Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan has announced an official inquiry into the tragedy.
She said: "We must ensure we learn the lessons and find out what happened to these men."
The investigation, she said, would be led by South Wales Police before it was handed over to the Health and Safety Executive.
The rescue effort to find the four trapped miners ended early yesterday evening with the tragic discovery of a fourth body.
Charles Breslin, 62, David Powell, 50, and Garry Jenkins, 39, from the Swansea Valley; and Phillip Hill, 45, of Neath all died.
The rescue was launched shortly after 9am on Thursday after the area the miners were in 90 metres down was flooded.
Around 200 rescuers had been working continuously to free them.
But by Friday morning, they began discovering bodies.
Early in the rescue effort Mark Tibbot, from the Mines Rescue Service, explained what was believed to have happened.
He said: "There are old workings next door and they have drilled behind in to these old workings and the water has flooded into the mine."
Two men managed to escape when the incident occurred.
Another miner managed to escape through some old mine workings at the drift mine.
One miner was airlifted to Morriston Hospital where his condition has been described as critical.
In pictures: Gleision Colliery trapped miners rescue operation
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Swansea Valley trapped miners: The latest reactions and updates from Twitter and around the web
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by CatrionaM
Sunday, September 18 2011, 7:18AM
“Praying for all those affected by this terrible tragedy”
by Philcwmavon
Saturday, September 17 2011, 6:40PM
“For heavens sake.What is the mind-set of individuals who intrude a platform for caring people to state their thoughts on a tragedy?Why do they feel the compulsion to be maleficent here?They have the opportunity to spout their grievances on any amount of insignificant reports,at any time,which they obviously do.They can type their inconsequential(unrelated)bile where no one would be bothered to reply,so I wish the individuals could get some kind of grip on themselves,and refrain from contaminating the space of decent,caring,grieving humans.Our thoughts(my wife and I)will remain will the families and friends of the poor lost souls,as they attempt to come to terms with their trauma...one post stood out for me.Please appreciate the sentiments from a group of unfortunates from Lancashire,who took the time to send their support.Only one rock moved after their support,which for me,sullied every previous comment of sadness.”
by dougyuk
Saturday, September 17 2011, 2:03PM
“No MP or AM should be within 50 miles of a tradgedy like this,simply to boost their credibility.Has Mr Hain kicked off the appeal with a donation,or any other politician?.By the way he does not use coal for heating as he claimed over £10,000 for heating oil on his expenses.”
by BRDSC
Saturday, September 17 2011, 9:49AM
“Thinking about the town of Swansea and there recent tradegy. We are thinking of you.
From all within Blackburn Rovers Disabled Supporters Club”
by Davew2010
Saturday, September 17 2011, 2:00AM
“To the miners of Gleision Colliery, your family, friends and those brave men that tried so hard to save you - You'll Never Walk Alone. God Bless and RIP.”