In a tragic twist of fate, what should have been a sacred and festive event became a tragedy at the Simhachalam Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Visakhapatnam district. At the time of the annual Chandanotsavam festival, a wall came crashing down, claiming the unfortunate lives of seven worshipers and seriously injuring a number of others.
Acting quickly to the tragedy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu conveyed deep regret and referred to the tragedy as deeply disturbing. As a token of sympathy to the bereaved families, the Chief Minister declared an ex-gratia of ₹25 lakh to each of the bereaved families. He also promised that one member from each of the deceased families would be given an outsourcing job in the Endowments Department.
For those hurt in the accident, the government has pledged to pay ₹3 lakh to each as a compensation. The Chief Minister has also ordered health authorities to see that all injured persons are provided with prompt and quality treatment.
Following the accident, CM Naidu conducted a high-level review meeting over phone with top officials such as the Visakhapatnam District Collector and Superintendent of Police. He was informed regarding ground conditions during the briefing and asked officials to carry out a thorough investigation into the collapse and also see to it that such accidents do not take place in the future.
Expressing his sincere sympathies, Chief Minister Naidu assured the grieved families of all assistance and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to stand by them during this period of grief.
