Rescue Operation Comes To An End

The body of the fourth missing Welsh miner was found on Friday at the Gleision Colliery near Pontardawe, Wales, bringing the rescue operation to a close.

Emergency service teams had been working round the clock since the accident on Thursday (September 15th), when the men became trapped.

It is thought the accident was caused due to a retaining wall holding back water underground failing. Seven men in total were working in the area, but three were able to escape.

Commenting on the work accident, David Urpeth, national head of workplace injuries at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Rescuers worked tirelessly to find the missing man and the wait for his family must have been torturous. Our thoughts are with them at this incredibly difficult time, and with the other families who lost their loved ones.

“Whilst nothing will make up for their loss, a swift inquiry so lessons can be learnt to prevent future tragedies must be put into action.”