On April 30, 2025, a terrible accident occurred at the famous Simhachalam Temple in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. During the celebrated Chandanamahotsavam festival, a cement wall collapsed, leading to the deaths of at least eight people and injuring many others.
The incident happened early in the morning while devotees were waiting in line to buy tickets near the shopping area. Heavy rain had fallen for over an hour, which caused the soil to loosen on the hilly terrain of Simhachalam. This instability made a new wall from a nearby construction site fall, affecting the tents and temporary structures set up for the festival.
Rescue workers, including teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), quickly arrived on the scene to help. Injured individuals were taken to local hospitals for treatment. The local police and fire departments were also involved in rescue operations, making efforts to find anyone trapped under the debris.
After the tragic event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow on social media and promised aid to the victims’ families. The Prime Minister’s Office announced a compensation of ₹2 lakh (around $2,400) for the families of those who lost their lives and ₹50,000 (approximately $600) for the injured. The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu, also shared his condolences and assured support for the victims’ families.
Officials have launched an inquiry into the building conditions and safety measures taken at the temple prior to the festival. Many people, including government officials and ministers, have visited the site to monitor the situation and provide help to those affected.
This tragic event is a reminder of the importance of safety during large gatherings, especially in challenging weather conditions. The temple, a significant spiritual site, usually attracts many visitors, and this accident has sparked a conversation about ensuring that large events are safe for everyone involved.
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