The Aber Valley Heritage Group have paid condolences to the families of those killed in Turkey’s Soma mine explosion.
The explosion, on May 13, is the country’s worst mining disaster in history, leaving 301 workers dead.
Jack Humphreys, Chair of the Aber Valley Heritage Group, wrote to the Turkish Embassy to offer his sympathy given the history of coal mining disasters in Senghenydd.
The group organised last year’s centenary commemoration of the 1913 disaster that left 440 dead.
Recently it also held the first annual memorial for the 1901 Senghenydd disaster that killed 81 miners.
Around 100 people attended the commemoration on Friday May 23.
Writing to the Turkish Consul General, Emirhan Yorulmaziar, Mr Humphreys said: “On behalf of our community here in the Aber Valley may we sincerely offer our deepest sympathy to the families of all those men killed in the mining disaster at Soma.
“We, perhaps more than anyone else can appreciate the feelings of shock, horror and despair that are now with them as here in 1913, in this very small village of Senghenydd, the Universal Colliery exploded killing 440 men and boys, some as young as 14 years old.
“Our hearts go out to all those who now have to deal with the loss of their loved ones and we sincerely hope that they will find the strength to be able to face the future without them.”
Mr Yorulmaziar replied: “On behalf of the people of Turkey and personally I would like to express my sincere thanks to all members of the Aber Valley Heritage Group.”
The leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council also gave a message of support to the people of Soma.
Cllr Keith Reynolds said: “I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those miners who have lost their lives in this tragic incident.
“Communities across the Caerphilly County Borough have experienced similar losses over the years, including the worst colliery accident in British history at Senghenydd back in 1913.
“Our thoughts are with the entire nation and we would like to wish the survivors a speedy recovery.”
Bedwas councillor and former miner Ray Davies added: “These poor Turkish miners suffered horrible, painful deaths.
“Their local communities are devastated and broken. As in Senghenydd, the pain will never leave them.
“The Turkish Miners’ Union has, rightly, gone on strike. The recent privatisation of Turkish mines have put the mens’ safety in second place to profit.”