VIJAYAWADA: At least seven people died and several others were injured after a wall at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Simhachalam collapsed early Wednesday following heavy rains and strong winds, officials said.
According to Andhra Pradesh home minister V Anitha, preliminary assessments suggest that the downpour, which began around 2.30 am and lasted for nearly 30 minutes, loosened the soil, leading to the structure’s collapse.
Rescue operations are underway, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state authorities at the site. The incident occurred just before hereditary trustee Poosapati Ashok Gajapati Raju entered the temple for the first darshan of Lord Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy.
Reacting to the tragedy, BJP former MLC Madhav expressed his sorrow over the timing and nature of the collapse, especially as it coincided with a significant religious occasion.
“This is an unfortunate incident that has taken place on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya…it took place at 2.30 am in morning…The government will investigate the incident and will compensate the victims,” he said.