8 killed in Simachalam temple wall collapse, CM orders probe

Eight devotees were tragically killed when a wall collapsed at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Simachalam, Visakhapatnam. Four others were seriously injured. The accident occurred during heavy rains at midnight amid a crowd of thousands of devotees on the occasion of Chandanotsav.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed deep grief over the heartbreaking incident and hastily announced the formation of a three-member inquiry committee. He has announced a one-time financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh each to the families of the deceased. He has also assured that one member from each family will be given a job on outsourcing basis in institutions under the temple and religious departments.

The Chief Minister has announced a financial assistance of Rs 3 lakh each for the injured. As soon as he received the news of the accident, he held an emergency teleconference with Minister Anand Rama Narayana Reddy, Dola Bala Biranjaneya Swamy, Bhanglapuri Anita, Anagani Satya Prasad, MP Bharat and temple trustee Ashok Gajapathi Raju.

He ordered to ensure prompt medical assistance and ordered all officials present at the spot to immediately remove the debris so that no more devotees are inconvenienced.

Chandrababu Naidu said, “This is a very painful incident. Thousands of devotees were waiting all night for ‘Nijrupa Darshan’ when the wall collapsed in the temple premises. I assure you that the government will stand by the affected families.”

Keeping in mind the ongoing festival and the huge crowd, the Chief Minister directed the administration to take precautionary measures and ensure public safety so that no one panics or faces any inconvenience.

The accident has raised big questions on temple security and crowd control measures. This incident clearly highlighted the need to pay more attention to security and structural protection during religious ceremonies.