Eight devotees killed as temple wall collapses in Simhachalam; ₹25 lakh compensation announced

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By HNH Web Desk
Simhachalam

Visakhapatnam: Eight devotees were killed and several others injured in a tragic incident at the renowned Appanna Swamy temple in Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, when a wall collapsed during the Chandana Utsavam festival early on Wednesday. The state government has announced a compensation of ₹25 lakh for each bereaved family and ₹3 lakh for each injured person.

The mishap occurred around 3 a.m. near the ₹300 ticket counter, where a cement wall suddenly gave way due to the pressure of a massive crowd gathered for the annual festival. Among the deceased were five women. Several others sustained injuries and were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals after rescue teams cleared the debris.

Emergency personnel, including police and fire service officials, responded swiftly and launched relief operations.

Home Minister V. Anitha rushed to the site to monitor the situation and ensure timely medical and logistical assistance to those affected.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the incident. In a message shared via X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister’s Office stated:

“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the collapse of a wall in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.”

The Andhra Pradesh government further announced that jobs would be offered on an outsourcing basis in the Endowments Department to affected families to help them regain financial stability.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held an emergency video conference with senior officials and ministers. He directed the formation of a three-member committee to investigate the cause of the collapse.

Expressing sorrow, the Chief Minister said, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives during Chandana Utsavam. I have spoken with district authorities and instructed them to provide all necessary medical assistance immediately.”

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan described the incident as a deeply unfortunate tragedy on a sacred occasion and assured the full support of the state government to the grieving families.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also conveyed his condolences, while former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy termed the incident heart-wrenching and offered his sympathies to the families of the deceased.

 

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