Andhra Pradesh Home Minister V Anitha visited the site of the wall collapse in Simhachalam, reviewed the situation and is supervising the rescue operations.
Published Apr 30, 2025 | 7:42 AM ⚊ Updated Apr 30, 2025 | 7:42 AM
Rescue efforts underway at the wall collapse site in Simhachalam Temple.
Synopsis: At least nine devotees lost their lives and several others were injured after a wall collapsed at the Simhachalam Temple in Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Authorities said rescue efforts are still underway, with bodies being retrieved from the debris.
At least nine devotees lost their lives and several others were injured after a wall collapsed at the Simhachalam Temple in Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh early on Wednesday, 30 April. They had gathered in the early hours to join the Chandana Mahotsavam celebrations and were standing in a queue to buy the ₹300 tickets when the incident occurred.
Preliminary reports suggested that heavy rainfall led to the collapse. Authorities said rescue efforts are still underway, with bodies being retrieved from the debris.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Home Minister V Anitha visited the site of the wall collapse in Simhachalam, reviewed the situation and is supervising the rescue operations.
Onlookers said a cement wall collapsed near the ticket queue at the shopping complex on the way up from the Simhagiri bus stand.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force have made arrangements for evacuating the injured to the hospital. NDRF, SDRF, Fire and Rescue Department, and Police personnel are continuing the rescue operations at the site of the wall collapse.
Home Minister Anitha, District Collector and Police Commissioner are closely monitoring the rescue operations at the site of the incident.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said he has ordered treatment for the injured and that he was reviewing the situation.
“My deepest condolences to the families of those who died in this incident due to the collapse of a wall due to heavy rains. I have spoken to the District Collector and SP about the situation there. I have ordered that the injured be provided with treatment. I am reviewing the situation from time to time,” he wrote in a post on X.
(With inputs from Sumit Jha.)
