In the early hours of November 18, 1999, Texas A&M University was struck by tragedy when a 1-million-pound stack of logs collapsed, killing 12 individuals and injuring many more during preparations for the university's revered bonfire tradition, a longstanding symbol of school spirit leading up to the Texas A&M-Texas rivalry football game. As the 25th anniversary approaches, Texas A&M plans to hold a Bonfire Remembrance ceremony at the site on Monday at 2:42am, the time of the disaster.
The Aggie Bonfire had been an iconic tradition since 1907, initially a small scrap heap and later growing into a towering 105-foot structure before safety regulations reduced its height. However, the tradition came to a halt after 1999's tragic event, where flawed construction led by inexperienced students was blamed for the collapse. Following the tragedy, a campus memorial was erected in 2003, featuring a "Spirit Ring" with portals symbolizing each lost life.
Despite efforts to revive the bonfire tradition this year, university officials ultimately decided against its official return. President Mark Welsh III remarked that the bonfire, as a "wonderful and tragic" element of Aggie history, should remain part of the past. The decision came amid discussions about rebuilding the bonfire under professional guidance. Students, however, continue to maintain the tradition informally with off-campus bonfires, planning the next burn on November 29, ahead of the Texas A&M-Texas football game. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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