500 feared dead in Baghdad stampede

"Up to 500 people have been killed after a crowd of Iraqi Shiites stampeded off a bridge over the River Tigris in Baghdad, Iraq's deputy Health Minister Jalil Al-Shumari says.

"The crowd was on its way to the Kadhimiya mosque for an important religious ceremony.

"People reportedly panicked as rumours spread that a suicide bomber was preparing to blow himself up, and many worshippers were crushed.

"The iron railings of the bridge gave way, throwing hundreds into the River Tigris.

"'So far we have 500 dead,' Mr Al-Shumari said.

"However, hospital and police sources say 575 people have been killed and 255 people injured."
ABC News Online