At least 8 people killed, 4 injured as makeshift structure collapses during temple festival in Visakhapatnam

Eight people lost their lives and four others were injured after a section of a temporary structure collapsed during the Chandanotsavam festival at the Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. According to officials, a 20-foot-long stretch gave way around 2:30 a.m. as devotees gathered at the temple for the annual festival. Search and rescue efforts were immediately launched by personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

“So it is not appropriate for us to conclude on the reasons for the incident. Prima facie, we have noticed that there was a downpour between 2.30 and 3.30 am in the early hours. We are investigating the incident… Currently, we have information that about eight people have died. All the debris has been cleared…Rescue work has been concluded,” said Vinay Chan, Principal Secretary of Endowment Department.
State Home and Disaster Management Minister Vangalapudi Anitha visited the site shortly after the collapse and reviewed the rescue operations.

“There was heavy rainfall. All precautions had been taken. It is unfortunate,” she said. Authorities have not yet provided details on the cause of the structural failure. The area has been cordoned off as rescue teams continue to search for any possible trapped individuals.

Further details are awaited.

(With inputs from ANI)