Phnom Penh, December 08, 2010
Agence France-Presse
Cambodian monks on Wednesday blessed a bridge where more than 350 people lost their lives in a stampede last month, but some locals said they were reluctant to use the newly reopened crossing. Five saffron-clad monks chanted and sprinkled holy water as they became the first to cross the structure since the November 22 incident, Cambodia's worst tragedy in decades.
The crush happened on the final day of a water festival, when revellers panicked on a narrow crossing leading to Phnom Penh's Diamond Island, one of the main event sites, and 353 people were killed in the ensuing chaos.
An early morning Buddhist ceremony was held on the island to mark the reopening of the bridge, attended by the governor of Phnom Penh and local business owners.
Those present lit incense and made food offerings to appease the souls of the deceased and chase away evil spirits.
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