Wall collapse at Simhachalam temple kills 8 devotees during Chandanotsavam

In a tragic incident, at least eight devotees lost their lives and four others sustained injuries when a wall collapsed at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Simhachalam in Vishakapatnam, during the early hours of Wednesday. The collapse occurred around 2:30 AM while devotees were waiting in line for the special ‘Nijaroopa Darshan’ of the deity during the annual Chandanotsavam festival. 

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According to the officials, the wall, situated near a shopping complex along the route from Simhagiri Bus Stand, gave way due to soil loosening caused by heavy rains the previous night. The pressure from the large number of devotees reportedly contributed to the collapse. Immediate rescue efforts were undertaken by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local authorities. 

State Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha visited the site and confirmed the rain-related weakening of the newly-built wall. Vishakapatnam District Collector Harendhira Prasad stated that three of the deceased were women, and their identities are yet to be confirmed. The victims and injured were shift to King George Hospital. 

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed his condolences and announced Rs 25 lakh ex gratia for each deceased’s family and Rs 3 lakh for the injured. He also set up  a three-member committee to investigate the incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his sorrow and declared additional compensation from the PMNRF.