Wed Apr 30 03:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Seven Dead in Visakhapatnam Temple Wall Collapse

**Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, April 30, 2025** – A tragic incident occurred at the Simhachalam temple in Visakhapatnam during the Chandanotsavam festival, leaving seven devotees dead after a wall collapsed. Three of the deceased were women. The incident took place near the ₹300 ticket counter in the early hours of the morning (between 2 AM and 3 AM) when a newly constructed wall, reportedly of substandard quality, crumbled, causing the fatalities.

Authorities have identified three of the victims: Yedla Venkatarao (48), Durga Swaminayudu (32), and Manikantha (28). The bodies have been transported to KG Hospital.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, offering an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF to the next of kin of each deceased. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy of Telangana also expressed his deep sorrow.

The incident has sparked outrage and calls for a thorough investigation into the construction quality and safety measures at the temple. Several political figures have demanded compensation for the victims’ families, and criticism is directed at the lack of adequate planning and safety protocols during the festival. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has voiced its anger, alleging negligence on the part of the government. YSRCP MLC Varudu Kalyani demanded a comprehensive inquiry and compensation of ₹1 crore to each family. Former Chief Minister and YSRCP President Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed his deep grief and urged the government to provide adequate medical care for the injured and support to the bereaved families. This tragedy comes shortly after a similar incident in Tirupati.

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