September 25, 2005
Katrina moves Aggie Bonfire suit back to Texas
Six years after the Texas A&M Aggie Bonfire collapsed, killing twelve people, the civil case brought by survivors and families of the victims is back in Texas.
Twelve people were killed when the bonfire they were building collapsed. The bonfire was a 90-year Aggie tradition.The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans is hearing cases next week in Plano at the Center for American and International Law because of flooding in New Orleans related to Hurricane Katrina.
The federal court will decide whether the bonfire constituted a state-created danger. If so, the university could be held liable.
Comments:
Adam said:
posted on September 28, 2005 1:36 PM — 65.117.155.94 — link — abuse?
I by no means want to compare the two tragedies, by far 9/11 was devastating and will never be forgotten. To many Aggie Bonfire represents all the traditions the school has been founded on and one step on campus can show you the difference in student morale and attitude when there is a bonfire. I just don't understand what the families are trying to gain by sueing a face-less entity like a university and I wonder how many of those killed would what their parents dragging out the misery. Bonfire definitely needs to be toned down a bit or have greater safety measures put in place, but Aggieland is not the same without it!
Craig said:
posted on October 4, 2005 10:17 AM — 66.169.178.186 — link — abuse?
I personally believe that if an engineering school like A&M can not determine the amount of risk involved in erecting such heavy logs on top of each other, they such be banned from doing so. Any other construction project in this country involved with such dangerous elements as 1,000 lbs heavy timber logs take the necessary precautions before people get killed. One major problem I find is that the erection of the bonfire had no steel reinforcement inside or outside of the structure. The potential energy collected at the top of the structure could have done more damage. Also, can you name the last time you saw a construction project that was done at 3 a.m. without supervision?
Becky said:
posted on October 9, 2005 5:58 AM — 63.98.24.206 — link — abuse?
Unsupervised? Apparently you are unaware of the leadership structure in the building of Bonfire. The students are adults to begin with, and secondly the skill to build Bonfire is passed down to underclassmen as they learn yearly how to build it properly. The most seasoned students supervise the others, with multiple levels of supervision below them. It was successfully built 90 times before the disaster.
Also, my heart truly goes out to the family members of the students killed, but I can't believe they're suing. If their children knew, they'd roll over in their graves. The sweat and devotion we put into Bonfire over the weeks of Cut and Stack are profound. If you've never done it you can't imagine the feelings of pride and comraderie and accomplishment one gets. It is one of my best memories from my years @ A&M. '92Craig said:
posted on October 13, 2005 12:29 PM — 129.118.248.233 — link — abuse?
A big brother system is not supervision, more like a frat party. Supervision is done by those with experience is structural engineering. Do those public relations seniors that pass down the secret of log placement know the static and dynamic forces of 1,000 lbs. logs reaction when placed 60 feet in the air? Steel reinforcement was needed, not overwhelming feeling of cutting wood in a field. Also erecting any type of structures at 3 am is not safe even in downtown New York. That is why they place time restrictions on steel erections during evening hours. Your vision is you best assets even if you have those flood lights. Those parents can take legal action if they want, you are in no place to say that they can’t. That is what is wrong with you school, you all take those traditions way to serious, and look it got a lot of people killed.
Becky said:
posted on October 17, 2005 2:28 AM — 24.252.80.16 — link — abuse?
First off, learn grammar and how to spell. Secondly, Bonfire is not just a Tradition, it is taken with the utmost seriouseness and respect. We understand the forces at play; and, yes, from an engineer's standpoint. Just b/c someone else doesn't work @ 0300, does not mean we can't, and do so safely. Push is designed to be 24/7, b/c students can and want to easily meet those hours. You know not which you speak of.
Steve said:
posted on November 22, 2005 11:03 AM — 192.91.171.36 — link — abuse?
No one else should die building Aggie Bonfire. No excuses.
Go back and see the memorial. It is breathtaking, and it hurts.
The story of Texas A&M University is filled with examples of monumental change incited by courageous leadership. Being an Aggie is about being a courageous leader more than anything else.
While the families of those who died will never be able to fill the inconceivable hole now left gaping in their hearts and lives, I hope that they would use their agony to help prevent this tragedy from occurring again in a more constructive way than the civil court case against the State of Texas, otherwise known as the people who live and pay taxes in Texas. If the State is held liable, it seems reasonable to assume that the money would come from the people of Texas.
Please note that all comments are subject to the Fanblogs Comment Policy.
Adam said:
posted on September 26, 2005 10:27 AM — 65.117.155.94 — link — abuse?Enough already, yes it was a tradegy and we all feel for the families. It's just like 9/11, it's time we all moved on.... Bring back BONFIRE!!