Tragedy in Simhachalam: 8 devotees killed as wall collapses at Andhra Pradesh temple

A tragic wall collapse at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Simhachalam, Andhra Pradesh, has killed at least eight devotees, with four others injured. The accident happened early on Wednesday morning, around 2:30 am, when devotees were waiting in a queue for the 'Nijaroopa' darshan of the deity as part of the annual Chandanotsavam festival. The accident has left the community shocked, with many people mourning and outraged by the tragedy.

Rescue and relief operations ongoing

After the collapse, local governments and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) made a quick response, initiating rescue and relief operations. State Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha immediately went to the site, coordinating the relief operations. The government worked day and night to rescue people trapped under the wreckage, giving medical assistance to the injured.

Andhra Pradesh| Vishakapatnam|SimhachalamTemple
8 Devotees dead after a wall collapsed at SimhachalamTemple during Chandanotsavam in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. Seven died on the spot, one at hospital. Rescue ops concluded... pic.twitter.com/nGPanD1c1L

— Gummalla Lakshmana (@GUMMALLALAKSHM3) April 30, 2025

First investigation attributes collapse to waterlogging and pressure

The wall collapse was attributed to waterlogging caused by overnight rains, which had weakened the structure, as per preliminary reports. The pressure exerted by the devotees waiting in line for darshan may have led to the collapse of the wall. The complex is on the roadside opposite the Simhagiri Bus Stand. The reason behind the collapse continues to be probed, although it is evident that multiple causes contributed to the tragedy.

Ex Gratia and investigation announced

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu was left stunned by the fatalities and instructed an ex gratia of ₹25 lakh per dead to the relatives and ₹3 lakh for the injured. A three-member official committee has been constituted to investigate the wall collapse tragedy.The committee will look into the circumstances surrounding the collapse and hold those responsible accountable.

Annual Chandanotsavam festival

Chandanotsavam festival is one major event celebrated throughout the year in the Simhachalam temple with thousands of devotees rushing to witness a glimpse of the god in his natural form (Nijaroopa). Various rituals, like taking off sandalwood paste from the idol and exclusive Abhishekam rituals, mark the occasion of this festival. This is a big festival among Hindu festivities and has millions of devotees descending on the temple for this ritual from across the country.

Temple traditions and rituals

The Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is a sacred institution with rich history and tradition. The hereditary trustee of the temple, Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, along with his family members, were privileged to be given the first darshan of the deity and get the opportunity to apply sandalwood paste for the first time. The temple is famous for its architecture and intricate carvings and is visited by tourists and devotees.

Impact on the community

The collapse of the wall has made a significant impact on the community, with several families having been hit by the disaster. The accident has also led to debates regarding the safety of temple structures and the imperative of conducting routine inspections and maintenance. The government has reassured the public that the accident will be fully investigated, and anyone found responsible will be brought to justice.

The wall collapse at the Simhachalam temple is a sad reminder of the importance of safety and maintenance. As the investigation goes on, the community rallies behind the families of the victims. The tragedy will not dampen the spirits of the devotees, who will keep coming to the temple to seek the blessings of the god.