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Wall Collapse at Simhachalam Temple Kills 8 During Annual Festival

Heavy rains caused a newly built wall to collapse at the Chandanotsavam festival, prompting rescue efforts and political pledges of compensation and accountability.

At the time of the incident, devotees were in queue for the 'Nijaroopa' darshan of the deity at the temple.
8 killed in wall collapse at temple in Andhra Pradesh's Simhachalam
Photo: ANI
Image

Overview

  • Eight devotees lost their lives and several others were injured when a rain-soaked wall collapsed at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Visakhapatnam early Wednesday morning.
  • The wall, constructed just 20 days ago near the ₹300 ticket queue, gave way due to soil loosening from heavy overnight rains during the crowded Chandanotsavam festival.
  • Rescue operations by NDRF and SDRF teams have concluded, with injured victims receiving treatment at King George Hospital.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ₹2 lakh compensation for each deceased family and ₹50,000 for the injured, while Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu pledged ₹25 lakh per deceased family and a government job for one family member.
  • A three-member probe committee has been established to investigate the incident, with families of victims demanding accountability for alleged construction flaws.