Synopsis
In a devastating incident at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple, a wall collapse during an annual festival resulted in the loss of seven lives, including a techie couple. This tragedy has sparked outrage and calls for accountability as families mourn their loved ones.Key Takeaways
- Seven devotees lost their lives due to a wall collapse at a temple during a festival.
- Immediate rescue operations were conducted by NDRF and local police.
- A techie couple among the victims, raising concerns about safety.
- Investigation ordered by the Chief Minister to prevent future incidents.
- Financial aid announced for families of the deceased and injured.
Visakhapatnam, April 30 (NationPress) A tragic incident occurred during an annual festival at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Simhachalam, where a techie couple was among the seven devotees who lost their lives due to a wall collapse early Wednesday morning.
The authorities confirmed the death of seven individuals after the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local police concluded their rescue efforts. Initially, reports suggested that eight had perished.
The victims included four men and three women. Three other devotees sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at King George Hospital in Visakhapatnam.
The couple, identified as Pilla Uma Maheswara Rao (30) and Pilla Sailaja (26), worked for HCL and Infosys in Hyderabad and were working remotely. They had recently celebrated their third wedding anniversary and were originally from Chandrapalem village in Madhurawada, Visakhapatnam.
Among the deceased were Sailaja's mother, Venkat Ratna (45), and her aunt, G. Mahalakshmi (65), both of whom were also victims of the wall collapse.
Other victims included Durgaswamy Naidu (33) and K. Manikantha (28), residents of East Godavari district, and Yedla Venkat Rao (45) from Visakhapatnam.
The incident unfolded around 3:15 a.m. as devotees lined up to purchase tickets for darshan during the Chandanotsavam, an important annual festival.
Devotees were waiting to buy tickets priced at Rs 300 for the Nijaroopa darshanam, a ritual where the thick sandalwood covering on the idol is removed. The ceremonial proceedings were set to commence in the early hours.
Rescue operations were promptly initiated by NDRF personnel, in collaboration with police and other responders.
Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, Visakhapatnam district Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad, and Police Commissioner Shanka Brata Bagchi oversaw the rescue operations.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, IT Minister Nara Lokesh, along with other officials, expressed their shock regarding the incident.
The Chief Minister has ordered an investigation by a three-member committee and has announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 3 lakh to those injured.
