A massive excavation has begun at the site of a former ‘mother and baby home’ in Tuam, Ireland, where nearly 800 babies are believed to be buried in a sewage tank known as ‘the pit.’ This dark secret was uncovered by local historian Catherine Corless, who spent years proving that 796 children died there between 1925 and 1961.

The Catholic-run home took in unmarried mothers, hiding pregnancies considered shameful at the time. Most of these children died from malnutrition and disease, yet only two were given proper graves. “I’m feeling very relieved,” Corless said about the dig, which she fought for over a decade.

A 2021 inquiry confirmed shocking infant deaths in similar homes, with about 9,000 children dying nationwide. The Irish government and the Sisters of Bon Secours have since apologized for this tragedy and pledged compensation.

Now, experts hope to identify remains through DNA and finally give each child the dignity they were denied. Corless shared: “I never, ever understand how they could do that to little babies.”