On This Day, Aug. 31: Stampede and Bridge Collapse in Baghdad Kills Nearly 1,000

AI-summarized · Neutrality-checked

On August 31, 2005, a stampede and the partial collapse of the Al-Aima bridge in northern Baghdad resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,000 people, the majority of whom were Shiite pilgrims. The bridge, which spans the Tigris River to link the historically Shiite neighborhood of Kadhimiyah and the Sunni neighborhood of Adhamiyah, was subsequently closed by authorities. The tragedy occurred during a period of heightened sectarian tension in the city.

Consequences

The closure of the Al-Aima bridge severed a critical link between the two historic districts for three years. The site remained shuttered until it was officially reopened on November 11, 2008.

Sources

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