7 killed as Simhachalam temple wall collapses in Visakhapatnam during Chandanotsavam festival

At least seven people were killed and several others injured when a rain-soaked wall collapsed at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, in the early hours of Wednesday. Officials said the injured have been shifted to the hospital, PTI reported. 

The 20-foot-long stretch collapsed as devotees were celebrating the Chandanotsavam festival. The visuals reveal wall debris strewn across the temple grounds.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow and said he had spoken to the Collector and SP. 

In a post on X, Naidu said, "Deeply saddened by the death of seven devotees at Simhachalam.... my condolences to the families. I'm closely monitoring the situation and have ordered continuous review and support for victims." 

Andhra Pradesh Home Minister V Anitha said preliminary reports indicated that the wall collapse in the temple in Simchalam was triggered by soil loosening due to heavy rains in the area. Rescue operations are in progress, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and state authorities deployed at the spot, PTI reported.

According to ANI, Principal Secretary of Endowment Department, Vinay Chan said, “So it is not appropriate for us to conclude on the reasons for the incident. Prima facie, we have noticed that there was a downpour between 2.30 and 3.30 am in the early hours. We are investigating the incident... Currently, we have information that about eight people have died. All the debris has been cleared...Rescue work has been concluded...”

"This is an unfortunate incident that has taken place on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya...it took place at 2.30 am in morning...The government will investigate the incident and will compensate the victims..." ANI quoted BJP former MLC Madhav as saying.

YSRCP spokesperson on Simhachalam temple wall collapse

“Today, an unfortunate incident took place at Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple during Chandanolsavam...due to a wall collapse, innocent devotees lost their lives...I urge this govt to take better medical measures to treat the injured...who is responsible for this?...devotees and locals had previously raised doubts on the construction and quality of the wall but there was no response from govt...” YSRCP Spokesperson Konda Rajiv said.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, AP Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, among others, expressed sorrow over the incident. Both the Centre and the state government declared ex-gratia to the families of those killed in the incident, PTI reported.

PM Modi on Andhra Pradesh temple wall collapse

“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the collapse of a wall in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon,” PM Modi said and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF to the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 to the injured.

President Murmu on Simhachalam temple wall collapse

President Murmu stated, “Saddened by the loss of lives including those of women in a wall collapse incident in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families. May the injured recover soon.”

Chandrababu Naidu on Andhra Pradesh temple wall collapse

CM Naidu stated he had spoken to the Collector and SP and ordered for treatment be given to the injured. "Deeply saddened by the death of seven devotees at Simhachalam....my condolences to the families. I'm closely monitoring the situation and have ordered continuous review and support for victims," Naidu said in a post on 'X'