What happened 23 years ago at Texas A&M?

On Nov. 18, 1999, 12 students died and 27 others were injured when a 59-foot-tall stack of logs collapsed during construction. The bonfire included around 5,000 logs. The rescue operation took more than 24 hours since most of the logs were removed by hand to prevent further collapse.

What happened 23 years ago at Texas A&M?

Revisiting the tragic incident 24 years later. In 1999, a tragedy occurred at Texas A&M when the construction of the school's annual bonfire collapsed, killing 12 students, one alumni and injuring 27 other individuals. Ever since, the school declared an official ban on building the woodwork.

What happened at Texas A&M 24 years ago?

Thousands gather to remember 12 killed in Texas A&M bonfire collapse 24 years ago. COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Thousands of people gathered early Saturday morning to remember the 12 lives lost in 1999 when a bonfire collapsed during construction at Texas A&M University.

What happened at Texas A&M in 1999?

The second time in Texas A&M's history that Bonfire did not burn was almost exactly 92 years after the first Bonfire due to its collapse on Nov. 18, 1999, at 2:42 a.m. The collapse claimed the lives of 12 Aggies and injured 27 others.

What happened in Texas 1999?

At approximately 2:42 a.m. on November 18, 1999, the annual Aggie Bonfire at Texas A&M University collapsed during its construction, killing 12 people and injuring 27.

It's been 23 years since the Texas A&M bonfire collapse

What happened in 1994 in Texas?

The 1994 flood affected a huge geographic area covering 38 counties in southeast Texas. The map at right illustrates the extent of the affected area, which is roughly the size of the state of Maine.

What happened in the Texas A&M bonfire disaster in 1999?

1999 collapse

At approximately 2:42 a.m. on November 18, 1999, the 59-foot-high stack, consisting of about 5000 logs, collapsed during construction. Of the 58 students and former students working on the stack, 12 were killed and 27 were injured.

Who were the victims of the Texas A&M Bonfire tragedy in 1999?

18, 1999: Bonfire collapsed at 2:42 a.m., killing 12 Aggies: Christopher David Breen of Austin; Christopher Lee Heard of Houston; Miranda Denise Adams of Santa Fe, Texas; Jerry Don Self of Arlington; Michael Stephen Ebanks of Carrollton; Bryan Allan McClain of San Antonio; Jamie Lynn Hand of Henderson; Lucas John ...

When did A&M let girls in?

Women were officially allowed to enroll at Texas A&M as full degree-seeking students in 1963, thanks to the decision by President James Earl Rudder '32 to integrate the university along racial and gender lines.

Did any famous people go to Texas A&M?

>>>Check out these famous Texas A&M alums...

Actor Rip Torn was a cadet at Texas A&M. Robert Earl Keen is a big name in Texas country. Roger Creager is one of the biggest stars in Texas country. Chuck Knoblauch was a clutch MLB player, especially with the New York Yankees.

Why is Texas A&M famous?

Texas A&M has earned reputation for excellence through high-quality academic programs, expert faculty, commitment to research and alumni outcomes. As an institution, we've been ranked at the top for state, national and global levels.

When did the stack fall?

At about 2:42 a.m. on Nov. 18, 1999, the Bonfire stack fell during construction and claimed the lives of 12 Aggies and injuring 27 others. The Bonfire Memorial was officially dedicated in 2004 to remember and honor those lost.

Why is A&M famous for?

Awarded one of America's Best Colleges

Best known for its business, agriculture and engineering programs, Texas A&M also has one of the country's largest programs in recreation, park and tourism management.

What was the old name for Texas A&M?

College Renamed Texas A&M University

In 1963, the Texas Legislature changed the school's name from the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas to Texas A&M University. The "A" and "M" became a symbolic link to the school's past but no longer officially stood for "Agricultural and Mechanical."

How tall was the Texas AM bonfire?

The structure became more elaborate, and in 1969, the stack of logs set the world record for the height of a bonfire at 109 ft 10 in (33 m) tall. Out of concern for the safety of participants and the community, the university limited the size to 55 feet (17 m) tall and 45 feet (14 m) in diameter.

How many students died in the Texas A&M bonfire?

On Nov. 18, 1999, 12 students died and 27 others were injured when a 59-foot-tall stack of logs collapsed during construction. The bonfire included around 5,000 logs.

When did Texas A&M allow black students?

1963: First Black Students Enroll At Texas A&M

By 1963, a year before the Civil Rights Act, three Black students quietly enrolled in a summer session as “special students,” becoming the first to attend Texas A&M.

When did Texas A&M stop being a military school?

Texas A&M remained a primarily all-male military institution with mandatory membership in the Cadet Corps until 1964, when the school began admitting women. In 1965 Corps membership became voluntary for students. The Corps first incorporated female members in the fall of 1974.

What does A & M mean in Texas A & M?

Originally, "A&M" stood for Agricultural and Mechanical, but today the letters no longer officially stand for anything. When Texas A&M opened on Oct. 4, 1876, as the state's first public institution of higher education, it was called the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, or "A&M" for short.

Why is it called the 12th man?

As most football leagues allow a maximum of eleven players per team on the playing field at a time, referring to a team's fans as the 12th man implies that they have a potentially helpful and significant role in the game.

What is the lawsuit against the Texas A&M bonfire?

Texas A&M has settled claims against it arising out of the 1999 bonfire collapse that killed 12 people and injured dozens more. A&M agreed to pay $2.1 million to several of the victims and their families to resolve the suit, which will continue against some of the contractors involved.

How many people died at A&M?

A tradition is in trouble: twelve Aggies are dead, the campus is still in mourning, and experts are questioning whether the bonfire collapse was just a freak accident. Now A&M officials must decide whether keeping an Aggie icon is worth the risks.

How big was the A&M bonfire?

The structure was a 59-foot high stack of 5,000 logs that gave way in the early-morning hours of Nov. 18, 1999. The bonfire had been an annual tradition held prior to the annual UT-Texas A&M football games. Rescue operations took more than 24 hours.

Who was John in the Texas University bonfire tragedy?

John Comstock was among the 27 Texas A&M students injured when a stack of logs for an annual bonfire collapsed on campus, killing 12.

What is the 12th man in football?

In football, one team is made up of 11 players, so the 12th man refers to the team's supporters - insinuating that the fans have a role in encouraging or motivating their side to perform better or score goals.