Andhra Pradesh News:
During the Chandanotsavam festival at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Visakhapatnam, a 20-foot section of the temple collapsed, resulting in the deaths of eight people and injuries to four others. Upon receiving the information, SDRF and NDRF teams reached the site and began rescue operations.
#WATCH | Andhra Pradesh | Seven people died and four got injured after a 20-foot-long stretch collapsed during the Chandanotsavam festival at the Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Visakhapatnam. Search and rescue operations are underway by the SDRF and NDRF
— ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2025
Vangalapudi… https://t.co/jDfKZjnX1U pic.twitter.com/8JVOtd24ND
How did the accident happen?
Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha arrived at the site, assessed the situation, and issued necessary instructions to the officials. The incident occurred when a 20-foot portion of the temple suddenly gave way during the festival, which draws massive crowds each year. This year, an estimated two lakh devotees attended the event.
A centuries-old temple
The temple, located atop the Simhachalam hill, is centuries old. Thousands of devotees had gathered for the Chandanotsavam and other religious rituals. The collapse occurred amid heavy crowds, with many devotees standing in queues for darshan (viewing the deity). The festival began at 1 AM on Wednesday with the ‘Suprabhatam’ ritual, followed by several traditional ceremonies. General devotees were allowed darshan from 4 AM, while VIPs were allotted specific slots from 5–6 AM and 8:30–9:30 PM as per protocol.