Floral tributes are a well-known sight at the roadside, often marking the locations of tragic incidents. In 2018, flowers with a note saying ‘RIP Victims of September 9, 1950’ were left on Prince of Wales Road in Swansea. This act caught the attention of passersby, prompting discussions on social media about the forgotten tragedy behind the note. The tribute was dedicated to seven individuals, including five children, who lost their lives when three houses collapsed onto a scrap yard below on The Strand. Among them was Bernard Harris, a survivor of the event who was only seven years old at the time.
Bernard Harris, now a grandfather in Swansea, recalled the tragic events of that day in 1950 when three houses collapsed due to poor building conditions exacerbated by heavy rainfall. The incident resulted in the loss of lives of seven individuals, including children as young as three years old. The aftermath of the collapse led to the evacuation of neighbouring houses as cracks widened and walls shifted. Despite the devastation and tragic loss of lives, a coroner cleared the property owners of any blame, attributing the incident to accidental causes.
The Ferguson tragedy on Prince of Wales Road serves as a poignant reminder of Swansea’s history and the impact of neglecting building quality and safety standards. The incident marked one of the many unfortunate instances where inadequate housing conditions led to devastating consequences. The memory of the victims may have faded over time, but their story remains a somber reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and integrity of residential structures.
The owner of the note and flowers left on Prince of Wales Road remains unknown, adding an air of mystery and sensitivity to the memorial. Despite the lack of a formal plaque or recognition, the simple gesture of leaving flowers and a note has sparked conversations about the forgotten tragedy in Swansea’s history. The personal recollections of survivors, like Bernard Harris, shed light on the human impact of such disasters and serve as a testament to the resilience of those affected by the tragedy.
The Swansea community’s response to the memorial on Prince of Wales Road reflects a sense of collective remembrance and understanding of the city’s past struggles. The event, though almost seven decades old, continues to resonate with residents and visitors alike, highlighting the enduring importance of preserving and honouring local histories. As discussions around the tragedy resurface, it underscores the significance of acknowledging and learning from past mistakes to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The floral tribute on Prince of Wales Road stands as a poignant reminder of the Ferguson tragedy and its lasting impact on Swansea’s history. The simple act of leaving flowers and a note has reignited conversations about the forgotten event and the lives lost on that fateful day in 1950. The memory of the victims and the community’s response to the memorial serve as a testament to the resilience and compassion of the Swansea community in times of tragedy. Despite the passage of time, the Ferguson tragedy continues to hold a place in the city’s collective memory, urging us to reflect on the importance of building safety and historical remembrance.