Visakhapatnam: At least eight devotees, including three women, were killed and several others injured on early Wednesday when a newly constructed wall collapsed at the historic Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Simhachalam in Visakhapatnam, reports Dynamite News correspondent.
The incident reportedly occurred at around 0300 hours after heavy rain accompanied by heavy gales lashed the city.
Incident During Chandanotsavam Festival
The incident happened during the annual Chandanotsavam festival which is a major event that draws thousands of devotees who gather to witness the rare darshan of the deity in its true form. The collapse took place along the Ghat Road leading to the temple, where devotees had queued up for the early morning rituals.
The tragedy happened when the devotees in large numbers were waiting in the Rs 300 queue line to witness the ‘Nijaroopa Darshan of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy on the occasion of annual ‘Chandanotsavam’ festival.
DM And CP At Spot
District Collector MN Harendhira Prasad, Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat, and Commissioner of Police Shankabratha Bagchi rushed to the spot.
Police , fire and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have reached the spot and are conducting the rescue operations.
The debris is being cleared, and the injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals.
Andhra Pradesh Home Minister V Anitha rushed to the spot to supervise relief operations.
CM Naidu
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He said that he has spoken with district authorities and directed them to ensure immediate medical care for the injured.
“I am deeply saddened by the deaths of devotees during Chandanotsavam. All necessary assistance will be extended to the victims’ families,” he said.
On ‘X social media platform, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, while expressing grief over the incident, said, “The incident reportedly happened due to heavy rains. Have spoken to the District Collector and Police Commissioner and have asked for the best treatment for the injured and are monitoring the situation continuously.”
Dy CM Pawan Kalyan
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also expressed condolences and assured the Govt support for the bereaved families.
“It is deeply unfortunate that such a tragedy occurred during a sacred celebration,” he said.