At least eight people lost their lives and four others were injured after a makeshift 20-foot-long structure collapsed during the Chandanotsavam festival at the Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Visakhapatnam in the early hours of Wednesday.
The tragic incident occurred around 2:30 a.m., reportedly following a bout of heavy rain. Rescue and relief efforts were carried out by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), with debris now cleared and rescue work concluded.
Vinay Chan, Principal Secretary of the Endowment Department, stated that while investigations are ongoing, the exact cause is yet to be confirmed. “Prima facie, there was a downpour between 2.30 and 3.30 am. We are investigating the incident… All the debris has been cleared, and rescue work has been concluded,” he said.
Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, terming the incident “truly unfortunate.” He confirmed that he is personally monitoring the situation and has directed officials to ensure proper medical care for the injured.
Former CM and YSR Congress Party President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also conveyed his condolences, calling it “heartbreaking” that devotees who came to witness the divine had to face such a tragedy. He urged the government to provide full support to the victims’ families and ensure the injured receive the best possible treatment.
BJP leader and former MLC Madhav called it an unfortunate event on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya and assured that the government would investigate the incident thoroughly and provide compensation to the victims.