Howell Williams, Aberfan teacher who rescued children dies aged 82

[Mr Onion]

A teacher who smashed a window to help his students to safety during the 1966 Aberfan disaster has died aged 82.

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Howell Williams, from Treharris, was just 25 when the colliery spoil tip collapsed, engulfing Pantglas Primary School on 21 October.

The disaster killed 144 people, including 116 children. Four teachers survived.

Mr Williams' son, Jonathan Williams, 53, said "he was a lovely man" but had "struggled" after the disaster.

Howell Williams died at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Llantrisant, Rhondda Cynon Taf, on 29 March.

Jonathan Williams, who now lives in Radyr, Cardiff, said: "I think it changed him, I think he was a different man after 25 to how he was before.

"If it happened in the modern era, it would have been very different. There was no counselling then."

The newly qualified PE teacher helped many children escape by smashing a classroom window.

RiP Howell . A true hero

source

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