8 Killed in Wall Collapse at Simhachalam Temple in Visakhapatnam

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Simhachalam Temple Tragedy: 8 Dead in Wall Collapse at Chandanotsavam Festival

By TRH News Desk

VISAKHAPATNAM, April 30, 2025 — Eight devotees were killed and several others injured after a wall collapsed at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Simhachalam during the Chandanotsavam festival early Wednesday.

According to officials, a wall adjacent to a queue line collapsed following heavy overnight rains that reportedly loosened the soil in the hilly terrain of the temple area. Seven people died on the spot while one succumbed to injuries at a hospital.

Authorities confirmed that the rescue operations have been concluded.

The incident occurred as large crowds gathered at the temple for Chandanotsavam, an annual ritual that draws thousands of devotees. Temporary tents and structures had been erected to manage the influx of worshippers.

Sources indicate that a newly constructed wall may have given way due to the weight and pressure from the temporary setups that collapsed amid the rains.

Home Minister V. Anitha visited the site and monitored the rescue efforts, which involved teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), fire services, and local police. Injured victims were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced an ex gratia payment of ₹25 lakh each to the families of the deceased and ₹3 lakh each to those injured.

YSR Congress Party leader Konda Rajiv Gandhi expressed his condolences, calling the incident “tragic and heartbreaking”. He urged the government to ensure better medical care for those injured.

Chief Minister of Telangana A. Revanth Reddy also extended his condolences to the families of the victims.

The district administration has ordered a probe into the incident to ascertain if there was any negligence in the construction and festival arrangements.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in a message said: “Saddened by the loss of lives during the tragic accident at Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple, Visakhapatnam. My heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.”

The Chandanotsavam, held on Akshaya Tritiya, is a significant event at Simhachalam, drawing thousands for the deity’s rare unveiling. Posts on X did not specify the exact cause beyond heavy rain, but the incident has raised questions about structural safety and festival planning.

The temple, a major Vaishnavite pilgrimage site, has faced crowd management issues in the past, with devotees often waiting hours for darshan. This tragedy underscores the need for enhanced safety protocols at historic sites during large gatherings.

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