The families of four miners who tragically lost their lives in a disastrous event at the Gleision drift mine in south Wales are facing a prolonged wait for answers regarding the circumstances of their deaths. Thirteen years after the accident, which occurred on September 15, 2011, these families were recently informed that the full inquest into the incident is not scheduled to take place until 2026. This notable delay has compounded their grief and frustration, as they have been pursuing justice and clarity regarding the events that led to the tragic loss of their loved ones.
The miners who died in the disaster—Charles Breslin, aged 62; David Powell, aged 50; Philip Hill, aged 44; and Garry Jenkins, aged 39—were all working at the Gleision colliery when a significant flooding event occurred. Following a routine blasting operation aimed at improving ventilation within the mine, it is reported that an overwhelming flow of water, amounting to approximately 650,000 gallons, surged into the tunnel where the miners were located. Out of the seven miners present, only three were fortunate enough to escape the deluge, highlighting the desperate nature of the situation.
The families involved have faced a lengthy and challenging battle for transparency and accountability. In 2022, they learned that a comprehensive inquest would finally be conducted to investigate the circumstances surrounding their relatives’ deaths. However, during a pre-inquest hearing held at Swansea’s Guildhall, families were left disheartened to discover that they would have to wait even longer—until the early part of 2026—for the inquiry to commence. The coroner, Edward Ramsay, acknowledged the “significant complexity” surrounding the case, with an overwhelming amount of documentation needing to be sifted through, now estimated to be around 75,000 pages, which is notably more extensive than initially anticipated.
Nicholas Moss KC, a key advisor to the coroner, indicated that there would be a concerted effort to address the multifaceted nature of the case. Key issues brought to light during the hearing included the adequacy of the initial investigations and their motivations. Moss highlighted that there may need to be scrutiny around potential attempts to obscure what truly transpired during the incident, laying the groundwork for a thorough examination of the evidence that may shed light on how and why these men died. Coroner Ramsay emphasized the determination to uncover the realities of the situation, stating that the investigation would be “full, fair, and fearless,” ensuring no stone would be left unturned.
The families of the deceased miners, represented by Christian Howells, have expressed their ongoing hope for clarity. While they must endure another two years of anticipation before the official inquest, some families are comforted by the notion that further review hearings will be conducted in 2025 before the substantial inquest commences. John Kelvin-Davies, a relative of one of the deceased, described the situation as a “light at the end of the tunnel,” a sentiment echoed by Lee Reynolds, a former surveyor of the mine, who suggested that the pathway to resolution is slowly becoming clearer.
As the proceedings unfold, crucial decisions remain regarding the leadership of the inquest. The families have called for the inquiry to be led by a judge, while various entities connected to the incident, such as the Coal Authority (now called the Mining Remediation Authority) and the Health and Safety Executive, hold differing viewpoints on the matter. As 2026 approaches, it remains critical for the families that justice is found, not only to honor the memory of the miners but also to ensure that any necessary changes are implemented to prevent such tragedies from recurring in the future. The heartbreaking saga encompasses not just a push for accountability, but also the lingering hope for closure in a case that resonates deeply within the community and the mining industry as a whole.
