Cambodia Dismantles Stampede Bridge

Cambodian workers on Tuesday began dismantling a notorious bridge where 353 people lost their lives in a stampede last year, following the completion of two new crossings nearby.

The country's annual water festival ended in tragedy in November 2010 when crowds panicked on the narrow crossing leading to Phnom Penh's Diamond Island, one of the main event sites.

The bridge has since then been used only reluctantly by superstitious locals who thought it brought bad luck.

"The bridge is not necessary anymore since the construction of the twin bridges nearby has finished," Diamond Island project manager Touch Samnang told Agence France Presse, adding that it would take around two months to dismantle the structure.

Carpenter Ung Nget, 27, who survived the stampede, said he would be glad to see the bridge taken down.

"If we keep it here, it only brings back painful memories," he said.

"I still cry when I see that bridge. If the bridge is no longer there, it can help ease my suffering."

Last month, local authorities marked the first anniversary of the disaster by unveiling a memorial for the victims at the foot of the crossing.

A government probe found the crush was triggered when rumors rippled through the packed crowd that the eight-meter (26 feet) wide, 100-metre long bridge was unstable. No officials were ever punished over the incident.

The water festival, which marks the reversal of the flow between the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers, draws millions of visitors to the capital to enjoy dragon boat races, fireworks and concerts.