Tragedy Strikes Chandanotsavam Festival as Temple Platform Collapse Claims Seven Lives in Visakhapatnam
VISAKHAPATNAM, 30 April:&nbsp;In a heartbreaking incident during the early hours of Wednesday, seven devotees lost their lives and four others were injured when a 20-foot-long temporary platform gave way at the Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Visakhapatnam. The mishap occurred around 2:30 a.m. amidst the ongoing Chandanotsavam festival, a major religious event that draws thousands of worshippers each year.
Rescue operations are currently underway, with personnel from both the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) combing through the wreckage in a race against time. "We responded immediately after receiving the report," said an SDRF jawan at the scene. "Seven people have been confirmed dead. The injured have been taken to hospital."
District Collector Harendra Prasad confirmed that the victims' bodies have been retrieved from the debris and efforts continue to ensure no one remains trapped.
Andhra Pradesh's Home and Disaster Management Minister, Vangalapudi Anitha, arrived at the site shortly after the tragedy. &ldquo;There was heavy rainfall and all necessary precautions had been taken,&rdquo; she told reporters, describing the incident as &ldquo;deeply unfortunate.&rdquo;
The collapse happened at a critical moment during the festival, which annually attracts large crowds. The makeshift structure was reportedly unable to bear the weight of the gathering devotees.
Officials have yet to release the names of the deceased as investigations continue into the cause of the collapse. The temple premises remain cordoned off as emergency personnel secure the area.
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platform collapsed at the Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Visakhapatnam

Tragedy at Chandanotsavam celebration claims lives as structure fails under crowd weight in Andhra Pradesh

7 Dead in Temple Platform Collapse During Festival

Tragedy at Chandanotsavam celebration claims lives as structure fails under crowd weight in Andhra Pradesh

April 30, 2025 | 09:02 IST