By Ayush Raj Dwivedi | April 30, 2025 | 9:15 AM

A tragic accident occurred early Wednesday at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, during the annual Chandanaotsavam festival. A newly constructed wall meant to manage the crowd for ₹300 special entry ticket holders collapsed amid heavy rain and strong winds, resulting in the deaths of 8 devotees, including 5 men and 3 women.

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Wall Collapse During Rainstorm

The incident took place around 2:15 AM, when a large number of devotees were standing in line for special darshan. Due to inclement weather conditions, the newly constructed wall gave way, crushing several people underneath.

• 7 people died on the spot


• 1 person succumbed to injuries in hospital

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NDRF and SDRF Deployed for Rescue

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were immediately dispatched to the site to carry out rescue and relief operations. Several injured individuals were rushed to the hospital, and the rescue teams continued to search for any more people trapped under the debris.

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District Administration and Government on High Alert

District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad and Police Commissioner Shankha Brata Bagchi visited the site to oversee the operations. Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha and Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat also arrived to assess the situation.

• The Home Minister confirmed that the collapsed wall was recently built.


• An investigation has been ordered to check the quality and safety standards of the construction.


• Authorities have assured best possible medical care to the injured.

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CM Chandrababu Naidu Offers Condolences

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy. The state stands with the victims' families in this hour of grief,” he said.

The Chief Minister has also directed officials to ensure complete medical aid to the injured and compensation for the victims’ families.

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Temple Administration Implements Alternative Arrangements

To ensure the smooth continuation of the festival and darshan, temple authorities have diverted the ₹300 ticket queue to a different path and have strengthened safety arrangements across the premises to protect devotees.

Stay tuned for further updates on the investigation and relief measures.