Wall Collapse At Simhachalam Temple Kills 8 Devotees During Chandanotsavam; PM Modi Announces Ex-Gratia

At least eight devotees were killed and four others injured in a tragic incident at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Simhachalam, Andhra Pradesh, on Wednesday.

The disaster occurred when a wall collapsed on a group of devotees who were waiting to purchase tickets for darshan during the temple’s annual Chandanotsavam festival.

The incident took place shortly after midnight, when heavy rain hit the region.

The devotees, who had gathered in large numbers for the event, stood in a queue to buy Rs 300 tickets for the temple’s rituals, which were set to begin later that morning.

PM Modi Expressed Condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the wall collapse incident in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

PM Modi announced ex-gratia relief from PMNRF for the deceased and injured.

Rescue Operation Underway

Following the collapse, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) swiftly arrived at the scene and launched an extensive rescue operation.

Officials reported that rescue teams recovered seven bodies from the debris and transported them to King George Hospital. The deceased included five men and three women.

The injured were also rushed to the hospital for treatment.

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Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, Visakhapatnam District Collector MN Harendhira Prasad, and Police Commissioner Shanka Brata Bagchi were all present at the scene, overseeing the ongoing rescue efforts.

Tragedy Strikes Hours Before Festival Start

The tragedy occurred mere hours before the start of the Chandanotsavam festival, a major event at the temple.

This annual celebration, expected to draw over two lakh devotees, involves the removal of the thick sandalwood covering from the idol of Lord Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha.

They had set the ritual to begin at dawn.

Authorities confirmed that the victims had been queuing up to purchase tickets for darshan when the wall collapsed on them.

Government Officials Respond

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed his profound grief over the incident.

He expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public that authorities were making every effort to assist the injured.

The Chief Minister personally spoke with local officials, including the District Collector and Superintendent of Police, and has been monitoring the situation closely.

Endowments Minister Anam Ram Narayan Reddy, who also expressed shock at the incident, immediately ordered the launch of a rescue operation upon receiving news of the collapse.

He confirmed that NDRF personnel and ambulances deployed to assist in the operation and called for an inquiry into the tragedy.

Minister Reddy promised that the government would provide all necessary support to the families of the deceased and injured and would implement measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Opposition Leader Offers Condolences

Former Chief Minister and leader of the YSR Congress Party, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, also expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.

Describing the incident as ‘heartbreaking’ he condemned the loss of lives, especially of devotees who had come to witness the divine darshan of the Lord. Reddy called on the government to ensure the best medical treatment for the injured and to extend full support to the affected families.

Ongoing Investigation And Government Support

Authorities have vowed to investigate the cause of the collapse thoroughly and take necessary steps to prevent any recurrence.

Meanwhile, the state government has pledged full support to the families of the victims, both in terms of financial assistance and other necessary aid.

The tragedy has cast a shadow over the otherwise auspicious occasion of the Chandanotsavam, leaving the temple and local community in mourning as rescue operations continue.