US voices grief over deadly Baghdad bridge stampede

The United States expressed deep regret on Wednesday over the Baghdad bridge stampede which killed over 840 people, the State Department said.

"The United States deeply regrets the tragic loss of life of worshipers in Kadhimiya, Baghdad today," department spokesman Sean McCormack said.

"Our sincere condolences and thoughts and prayers go out to the many Iraqi families who lost loved ones in this tragedy," he said, adding that the United States also sends its "wishes for a speedy recovery to those who were injured in this tragic event."

"I understand that the Iraqi government is on the scene with an immediate response in terms of security and medical support. All reports are that they're doing a great job, and we certainly have every confidence that they'll be able to handle the situation," the spokesman said.

At least 841 people were killed and 323 others injured after a fake suicide bomb alarm triggered stampede on a bridge over the Tigris river in Baghdad earlier in the day, the deadliest incident since the US-led forces launched attacks on Iraq in March 2003.

Source: Xinhua