A tragic tragedy was witnessed in Visakhapatnam at the annual Chandanotsavam festival of the ancient Simhachalam Temple, where seven pilgrims died after a wall close to the temple area collapsed in the wee hours of Tuesday night.
The incident took place near a shopping complex close to the ₹300 special darshan queue line, as thousands of pilgrims gathered for the rare and sacred Nijaroopa Darshanam of Sri Simhadri Appanna Swamy. According to early reports, heavy rainfall had weakened the structure, leading to the sudden collapse. Several devotees were caught under the debris.
Early rescue operations were undertaken by NDRF personnel, who worked around the clock to rescue people trapped in the wreckage. The deceased are confirmed to include four males and three females. Their bodies were transferred to KGH Hospital in Visakhapatnam, with the injured receiving treatment in nearby hospitals.
Reacting swiftly, Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, District Collector Harendra Prasad, and Police Commissioner Sankha Brata Bagchi reached the accident site and monitored rescue and relief efforts on the ground.
