Visakhapatnam, April 30, 2025 —
A devastating incident unfolded early Wednesday morning at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam, as a wall collapsed amid heavy rain and gale-force winds, killing at least seven devotees, including three women. The victims were reportedly waiting in the ₹300 queue line for the ‘Nijaroopa Darshan’ during the annual Chandanotsavam festival when the wall near a nearby shopping complex under construction gave way around 3:30 to 4:00 a.m.
Several others sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals. Rescue operations are being carried out by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), with senior officials including District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad, Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat, and Police Commissioner Shankabratha Bagchi overseeing the situation on-site.
Expressing his condolences, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu stated on X (formerly Twitter) that he is closely monitoring the rescue and relief efforts and has instructed authorities to ensure the best treatment for the injured.
Home Minister V. Anitha and Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy both expressed sorrow over the tragedy and confirmed that an investigation will be conducted into the structural integrity and construction quality of the wall.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his condolences and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
Former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy called the incident “heartbreaking” and urged the state to provide full support to the victims’ families and proper medical care to the injured.
The festival, which usually draws thousands of devotees, has now turned into a scene of mourning and investigation, as officials and the public demand answers over the safety measures in place during such large-scale religious gatherings.
