7 Killed After Temple Wall Collapses During Chandanotsavam Festival In Vishakhapatnam

Seven people were killed and several were injured after a 20-foot stretch collapsed during Chandanotsavam at Simhachalam temple, Visakhapatnam. Rescue ops are underway.

Atleast seven people were killed and several were injured after a 20-foot-long stretch collapsed during the annual Chandanotsavam festival at Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday morning.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were at the scene to carry out search and rescue operations.

An SDRF jawan said the incident occurred around 2:30 am.

"Seven people died in the incident. The injured have been sent to the hospital for treatment...We immediately reached the spot after the incident was reported," the SDRF jawan told ANI.

Vangalapudi Anitha, Home and Disaster Management Minister of Andhra Pradesh, has also reached the spot. Anitha told ANI that the incident was unfortunate. "There was heavy rainfall. All precautions had been taken. It is an unfortunate," she said.

According to a Times Now report, thousands of pilgrims had gathered for the sacred ritual at the centuries-old temple at Simhachalam hill. The incident occurred during the peak of the morning rush, as devotees were lining up to catch a glimpse of the deity.