Tragedy at Simhachalam Temple: Wall Collapse Claims Seven Lives

Heartbreaking Incident at Simhachalam Temple

Tragedy struck the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Visakhapatnam early Wednesday morning when a wall collapsed, killing at least seven devotees, including three women. The incident occurred as devotees queued for the ‘Nijaroopa Darshan’ of the deity during the annual ‘Chandanotsavam’ festival.

According to officials, the wall collapse happened around 3:30 to 4 a.m. following heavy rain and strong winds that lashed the city. The incident took place near the ₹300 queue line, close to a construction site for a shopping complex near the Simhagiri Bus Stop.

Rescue Efforts Underway

District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad, Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat, and Commissioner of Police Shankabratha Bagchi rushed to the site. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed to conduct rescue operations and assist the injured.

Outpouring of Grief and Condolences

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed his deep sorrow over the incident. In a message on X, he stated that he had spoken to the District Collector and Police Commissioner, ensuring the best possible medical treatment for the injured and closely monitoring the situation.

Home Minister V. Anitha stated that heavy winds might have been the cause of the wall collapse and announced that a thorough investigation would be conducted into the construction quality of the wall.

Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy also expressed his condolences and confirmed that an inquiry into the incident would be launched. Former Chief Minister and YSR Congress party president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed deep shock and sorrow, calling the incident “heartbreaking” and urging the government to provide the injured with the best medical care.