He further announced ₹ 25 lakh ex-gratia to the families of the victims, and ₹3 lakh compensation to the injured.
Published Apr 30, 2025 | 9:41 AM ⚊ Updated Apr 30, 2025 | 9:41 AM
Rescue operations underway at Simhachalam. (Screengrab)
Synopsis: On 30 April, a wall collapsed at Simhachalam Temple in Andhra Pradesh during Chandana Mahotsavam, killing at least nine and injuring many. CM Chandrababu Naidu announced ₹25 lakh ex-gratia for victims’ families and ₹3 lakh for the injured. A three-member probe was ordered. Rescue efforts continue, and officials vowed strict action against those responsible for construction lapses.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday, 30 April, ordered the constitution of a three-member committee probe into Simhachalam Temple wall collapse, which killed at least nine people and injured many.
The chief minister also had a teleconference with top officials and ministers.
He further announced ₹ 25 lakh ex-gratia to the families of the victims, and ₹3 lakh compensation to the injured.
The wall had collapsed during the early hours on Wednesday, when the devottes had gathered 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. They further said the injured have been shifted to the King George Hospital in Visakhapatnam.
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.
Home Minister V Anitha, speaking to the media about the investigation said, “The contractors, the engineer, and all who were responsible for quality control of the wall will be inquired into. Lives have been lost, and the government is taking this seriously. We will investigate from all angles, and action will be taken against the people responsible.”
