Tragedy Strikes Simhachalam Temple: Wall Collapse Claims Eight Lives

Deadly Wall Collapse at Andhra Pradesh Temple During Festival

At least eight people lost their lives and several others were injured in a heart-wrenching incident at the Simhachalam temple in Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam. The tragedy unfolded early Wednesday morning as devotees waited in a queue for tickets near the shopping complex on Ghat Road.

The wall collapsed during the annual Chandanamahotsavam celebrations at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple. Authorities believe the incident was triggered by heavy overnight rains that saturated the hilly terrain. The soil reportedly weakened, causing temporary structures erected for the festival, including tents, to give way. This, in turn, led to the collapse of a newly built wall, trapping devotees underneath.

Rescue efforts were immediately launched, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), fire and police departments working tirelessly to free those trapped. Injured devotees were rushed to nearby hospitals under the care of NDRF and SDRF personnel.

Nation Mourns, Leaders Offer Condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of life, offering condolences to the families of the deceased and wishing a speedy recovery to those injured. He also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu also conveyed his heartfelt condolences and assured the public that he was closely monitoring the situation. He announced a three-member committee to investigate the incident and promised a compensation of Rs 25 lakh each to the families of the deceased.

Home Minister V Anitha visited the site and oversaw the rescue operations. Minister for Endowments Anam Ramanarayana Reddy expressed shock and grief, assuring that the injured would receive the best possible treatment and pledging the government’s support for the victims’ families.

A Time of Grief and Reassessment

The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety and preparedness, especially during large gatherings. As the nation mourns the loss of life, the incident will undoubtedly lead to a thorough review of safety measures at religious sites across the country.