In a shocking and heart-wrenching incident, eight people lost their lives and several others were seriously injured when a newly constructed wall collapsed at the historic Simhachalam Temple in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The unfortunate event unfolded during the early hours of April 30, 2025, while thousands of devotees had gathered to celebrate Chandanotsavam, one of the most sacred festivals at the temple. The wall, reportedly built just 20 days prior, collapsed along the ₹300 darshan queue stretch amid heavy rainfall and strong winds, turning a spiritual gathering into a scene of chaos and despair.
The preliminary investigation suggests that the tragic wall collapse was caused by a sudden downpour between 2:30 AM and 3:30 AM, accompanied by powerful winds. According to Vinay Chan, Principal Secretary of the Endowment Department, the intensity of the rainfall caused water to accumulate around the wall, which was supported by earthen revetments. This likely loosened the soil foundation and compromised the structure. As pandals (temporary shelters) collapsed due to wind pressure, the already vulnerable wall failed, trapping several devotees beneath the rubble.
Rescue operations were swiftly launched with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams rushing to the site. The injured were immediately taken to King George Hospital (KGH) for treatment. Officials have confirmed that all trapped individuals were rescued, and debris has now been cleared. The incident has sparked widespread concern over safety measures at large religious events, especially those involving newly built infrastructure.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep condolences and offered support to the grieving families. In a public statement, he announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh to the families of each deceased and ₹50,000 to those injured. “Distressed by the accident at Simhachalam Temple. My prayers are with those affected,” the Prime Minister shared in a message, highlighting the government’s commitment to provide financial and moral assistance in this time of crisis.
The Andhra Pradesh government, led by Home Minister Anitha Vangalapudi, responded quickly, with the minister visiting the site to oversee the rescue and relief efforts. An internal inquiry has been ordered, and a technical audit will be conducted to assess the cause of the structural failure and determine if negligence was involved. This audit aims to bring accountability to those responsible for the construction and maintenance of the collapsed section.
Chandanotsavam, also known as Chandan Yatra, is a revered annual ritual at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Simhachalam. On this day, Lord Narasimha is revealed to the public without his usual sandalwood paste covering—a rare and spiritually significant moment that attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country. Unfortunately, what was meant to be a day of divine connection and celebration turned into a nightmare for many families.
This tragedy has not only claimed innocent lives but also raised important questions about safety standards in religious sites across India. With the increasing number of pilgrims visiting major temples, experts and citizens alike are urging the government to implement stricter protocols and regular safety checks to prevent such accidents in the future.
Stay tuned to ibizznews for further updates.
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