Photo by: Heng Chivoan

Monks and Mourners gather at Diamond Island bridge this afternoon to farewell at least 349 people who died in last night's tragic stampede on the crossing.

related coverage

• US extends condolences
• Hundreds die in tragic end to water festival
• Phnom Penh struggles to cope with tragic stampede

About 500 mourners and 400 monks congregated at the base of the Diamond Island bridge in Phnom Penh yesterday, the site of last night's stampede that killed at least 349 people, to offer blessings to the deceased.

The incident, which Prime Minister Hun Sen described as the "biggest tragedy since the Pol Pot regime" has shaken Cambodian people during the final stages of their annual water festival and overwhlemed emergency services stuggling to cope with the deluge of bodies and injured victims that began pooring into hospitals after panic erupted into a stampede on the overcrowded bridge about 10 o'clock on Monday night.

Monks burned joss sticks during the buddhist mourning ceremony and wished a safe trip into the next life for the souls of those who perished during the tradedy.

The exact cause of the panic that set off the stampede remains inconclusive.