Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) [India] : A tragic wall collapse at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Visakhapatnam during the annual Chandanotsavam festival claimed the lives of eight devotees and left four others injured in the early hours of Tuesday.
The makeshift 20-foot-long structure gave way at around 2:30 am, prompting immediate rescue efforts by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Officials confirmed that search and rescue operations are ongoing.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu responded swiftly, holding an emergency teleconference with ministers and temple trustees, including Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, Dola Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy, Vangalapudi Anitha, Anagani Satya Prasad, Bharat Ram, and Ashok Gajapathi Raju.
Key actions and announcements made by CM Naidu include:
- Ex gratia of Rs. 25 lakh to the families of each deceased victim.
- Rs. 3 lakh to be provided to each of the injured.
- A three-member probe committee has been formed to investigate the incident.
- Outsourced employment to be provided to one member from each bereaved family within the Endowments Department temples.
Naidu emphasized the importance of providing emergency medical treatment to the injured and expressed deep condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
TDP National Spokesperson Prem Kumar Jain echoed the CM’s sentiments and reaffirmed that the government is committed to swift support and justice.
Former Chief Minister and YSRCP President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed grief over the incident, calling it “heartbreaking.” He urged the government to ensure top-quality medical care for the injured and comprehensive support for the victims’ families.
The incident has cast a shadow over what was to be a grand spiritual gathering at one of Andhra Pradesh’s most revered temples. Authorities are under pressure to determine the cause of the structural failure and ensure accountability and preventive measures for future festivals.