Vizag: 8 feared dead in wall collapse at Simhachalam Temple during Chandanotsavam festival
The wall reportedly collapsed after heavy rain and gusty winds, which lasted nearly 30 minutes, weakened the structure.
By Sri Lakshmi Muttevi
Visakhapatnam: Eight devotees are feared dead and several others injured after a newly constructed wall collapsed at the Simhachalam Temple on Wednesday morning.
The incident occurred during the annual Chandanotsavam festival at around 2 AM.
The wall, located along the Rs. 300 ticket queue line, collapsed when devotees were waiting for the Nijarupa Darshanam of Lord Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy.
State and National Disaster Response Force immediately launched rescue operations and shifted the injured to KGH.
Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha visited the spot to monitor the situation.
According to the officials, the wall collapsed after heavy rain and gusty winds, which lasted nearly 30 minutes, weakened the structure. Preliminary investigation found that heavy rain has reportedly loosened the soil, and collapse.
The incident occurred shortly after Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, the temple's hereditary trustee, completed the ceremonial first darshan and presented the Chandanam to the Lord.
Revenue Minister Satya Prasad and officials representing the Endowments Department also took part in the early morning rituals, presenting Pattu Vastram to the deity.
Chandanotsavam festival marks the Nijarupa Darshanam of Lord Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy after a year-long covering of sandalwood paste. The event typically draws lakhs of devotees, with temple authorities organizing special darshan queues for ticket holders, VIPs, and protocol visitors.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu ordered for an inquiry into the incident. The government announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakhs for the deceased family members.
