Seven killed in temple wall collapse in Andhra Pradesh, CM Naidu monitoring situation

Seven Killed in Temple Wall Collapse in Andhra Pradesh

A tragic accident occurred early on the morning of April 30, 2025, at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam. A temporary wall collapsed, resulting in the deaths of seven devotees and injuries to others. This tragedy took place during the Chandanotsavam festival, a major religious event for thousands of devotees.

Incident Details

The collapse occurred around 2:30 a.m. Heavy rainfall and strong winds weakened the temporary wall, causing it to crumble. Devotees had gathered near the temple entrance to witness the festival’s rituals. Many were caught off guard when the structure fell, and some were trapped beneath the debris. Rescue teams immediately began clearing the rubble.

Rescue Operations

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) rushed to the scene. They worked quickly to rescue those trapped and transport the injured to nearby hospitals. The authorities ensured that medical assistance was provided promptly. The situation was handled with urgency, and the injured received immediate care.

Government Response

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life. He announced financial compensation of ₹25 lakh for each deceased and ₹3 lakh for the injured. In addition, CM Naidu instructed the district administration to investigate the collapse. A three-member committee has been formed to examine the causes of the incident.

National Support

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his condolences. He announced ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. This gesture is part of the national response to the tragedy.

Concerns Over Safety

The wall, which had been constructed only 20 days prior to the festival, was not able to withstand the severe weather conditions. This collapse has raised concerns about the safety of temporary structures during large public events. Consequently, the state government has promised to enforce stricter safety measures at religious sites to prevent future incidents.