Texas A&M Marks 25 Years Since Bonfire Collapse

The 25th anniversary of the tragic Texas A&M bonfire collapse, which occurred on November 18, 1999, is being commemorated by the university community. The disaster, which killed 12 individuals and injured 27 others, was attributed to flawed construction and inadequate supervision of the 60-foot log structure. Despite the tragedy, the bonfire tradition continues off-campus, with student-led efforts ensuring enhanced safety measures. Former students and survivors, such as John Comstock, who endured severe injuries, reflect on the event, emphasizing the enduring spirit and camaraderie it fostered. Memorial ceremonies at Texas A&M, including a remembrance event at 2:42 a.m., honor those lost while underscoring the profound impact the collapse had on the community. Although the university no longer officially sanctions the bonfire, the tradition and its historical significance remain deeply ingrained in Aggie culture.