At least seven people, including three women, lost their lives early on Wednesday morning (April 30, 2025) when a wall collapsed at the top of Simhachalam Hill in Visakhapatnam. Several others were also injured in the incident.

The wall collapsed while devotees were waiting in line to witness the special 'Nijaroopa Darshan' of Lord Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. This darshan is part of the annual 'Chandanotsavam' festival, which attracts thousands of people to the temple each year.

The wall collapsed in the ₹300 ticket queue line, near a shopping complex that is being built, close to the Simhagiri Bus Stop. The accident happened between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m. during heavy rain and strong winds.

District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad, Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat, and Police Commissioner Shankabratha Bagchi quickly reached the location. Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) also arrived and began their rescue operations.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed his sorrow over the incident. In a message on X (formerly Twitter), he said, “The incident reportedly happened due to heavy rains. I have spoken with the District Collector and Police Commissioner and have instructed them to ensure the best treatment for the injured. I am continuously monitoring the situation.”

State Home Minister V. Anitha also expressed her grief. She said that the strong winds could be the reason for the wall collapse. She added that the quality of the wall construction will be checked in the investigation.

Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy said he was also saddened by the deaths and that an enquiry would be conducted into the incident.

Former Chief Minister and YSR Congress party leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy said he was deeply shocked by the tragic deaths. In a message, he said, “Deeply saddened to learn that several devotees lost their lives after a wall collapsed on the ₹300 ticket queue line due to heavy rains.” Calling it a “heartbreaking incident”, he added that “it was extremely painful that devotees who had come to witness the divine form of the Lord had to lose their lives in such a tragic manner.”

 

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