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A Spiritual Journey in Iraq Ends in Tragedy

Thousands of Shiite Muslim pilgrims had just set out for a mosque in Baghdad, Iraq's capital. But the peaceful procession turned tragic when people in the crowd heard someone say there was a bomb. People trampled one another as they rushed to get off the bridge that they were crossing. In the terrible panic that followed, nearly 1,000 Shiites were killed and hundreds were injured.

People in the area rushed to help. Some jumped into the river to rescue those who had fal-len off the bridge. Others carried victims to safety. Later, police said they did not find explosives.

Every year, millions of Shiite Muslims make the trip to the mosque. They gather there to honor Moussa al-Kadhim, an important religious leader who is buried at the mosque.

After the tragedy last Wednesday, Shiite leaders criticized the government for providing too little security. The disaster took more lives than any other incident in the country since the U.S.-led invasion in March 2003.

The day after the deadly disaster, hundreds of angry protesters marched to the bridge where so many had died. And as mourners flocked to funerals, local leaders and Iraqi citizens called on the government to investigate.

Next: A Tribute to Heroes