LINDA STOUFFER, CNN ANCHOR: Today, authorities plan to reveal the results of an investigation into the deadly bonfire logpile collapse at Texas A&M; University last November, and the findings could have a dramatic impact on the school's 90-year-old tradition. CNN's Tony Clark has more.</s>TONY CLARK, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The stack, built from 5,000 logs, was 59 feet high when it collapsed last November, four feet higher than the university allows. Twelve students and former students were killed, 27 others, including John Comstock, were injured. Comstock was just released from the hospital last month.</s>JOHN COMSTOCK, BONFIRE COLLAPSE SURVIVOR: I firmly believe that the tradition should continue. We can learn from it.</s>CLARK: Investigators have reportedly determined the site where the stack was constructed had a slight slope; as a result, the first tier of the stack leaned slightly in the direction of the collapse. Soil tests, similar to this one, determined the ground did not cause the stack to shift and fall, as it did once before. From the start, much attention focused on the stack's cracked center pole. The tree trunk was examined to determine whether it had began to decay and weakened. Investigators also looked into whether the removal of the eight ropes stabilizing the center pole may have been a factor. A crane reportedly hit a cross tie on the stack a few days before the accident. Then students overseeing the construction felt no damage was done. Investigators have been looking to see if they were right. The students' role in constructing the stack has come into question since the accident as well. Toxicology reports show two students who died while working on the stack were legally drunk, even though the university prohibits drinking on the site. At least one student was wearing shorts, a T-shirt and sneakers on the stack, even though safety rules require jeans and work boots. In addition, freshman and sophomore students were allowed to work above the first tier of logs in violation of safety rules. University President Ray Bowen is expected to use the results of the investigation to determine whether the 90-year tradition is allowed to continue. Tony Clark, CNN, College Station, Texas.
Results of Texas A&M; Bonfire Logpile Collapse Investigation Expected Today