Early Morning Tragedy at Simhachalam Temple
Simhachalam Tragedy: This wall collapsed in tragic circumstances at the age-old Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam, became a retrospective incident during the Chandanotsavam festival in Andhra Pradesh. The disaster struck sometime around 2:30 AM on Wednesday when the newly constructed wall along the queue line fell, killing seven devotees and injuring four more.
Thousands Had Gathered For The ‘Nijaroopa Darshanam’
The incident took place during the auspicious annual festival of Chandanotsavam, where thousands of devotees come to witness the rare ‘Nijaroopa Darshanam’—the only opportunity in the year when the deity is presented without sandalwood application. At the time of the wall collapse, devotees were forming a ₹300 ticket queue for early morning special darshan.
Rescue Operations Were Launched Immediately
After the wall collapsed, rescuers from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with police and local administration, reached with immediately and began rescue operations. Unfortunately, even though they responded quickly, seven among them-the three women-all succumbed either on the spot or soon after due to the injuries.
Visakhapatnam District Collector Harendhira Prasad confirmed that authorities have shifted the bodies to King George Hospital and are currently verifying their identities. Four others are undergoing treatment for serious injuries.
Wall Collapses Due to Soil Loosening and Rain
Home Minister of Andhra Pradesh Vangalapudi Anitha visited the temple and briefed the media, explaining that the wall collapses were likely caused by soil loosening from the heavy rainfall the previous night. The soaked ground may have weakened the wall’s foundation, and the added pressure of hundreds of devotees leaning against it led to the tragic failure.
The wall was near a shopping complex on the route from Simhagiri Bus Stand. Rainwater may have seeped into the soil, weakening the structure,” Anitha stated.
Government Announces Compensation
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced ex gratia payments of ₹25 lakh for the families of each deceased and ₹3 lakh for those injured. He also formed a three-member committee to probe the wall collapses and determine accountability.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his condolences and announced additional compensation from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). The government will provide ₹2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 each to the injured.
Festive Spirit Overshadowed by Grief
Devotees highly revere Chandanotsavam, as priests reveal the deity Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy in his true form during the festival. The rituals began with Suprabhata Seva at 1:00 AM, followed by the careful removal of sandalwood paste from the idol. Hereditary temple trustee Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju and his family received the first darshan, and later, Minister for Revenue Anagani Satya Prasad offered traditional silk garments to the deity on behalf of the government.
Investigation Underway into the Wall Collapse
Although the religious importance of the day still stands, the collapse of the wall has dominated the festival with grief and anger. The government has assured a thorough probe into the quality of the construction of the wall and safety measures around the temple compound.
While the state grieves the deaths of innocent people, the focus has now shifted to accountability, regaining trust, and ensuring that such a tragedy never recurs. The Simhachalam temple tragedy is a stark reminder of the need for structural safety during peak-hour events. Source hindustantimes
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