At least eight people have been killed after a wall collapsed at a temple in Andhra Pradesh, India. The accident occurred when a wall of the Simhachalam temple in Visakhapatnam in the state collapsed. Several others were injured.
Authorities said that the 20-foot-long wall collapsed at around 2:30 am local time on Tuesday (April 29) during the Sandalwood festival. It is believed that the wall collapsed due to human pressure. The wall was built 20 days ago.
Immediately after the accident, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) started immediate rescue and relief operations along with local officials.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief after the incident. In a condolence message, he expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery. The Prime Minister announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured.
It is learnt that visitors stood in line to buy tickets worth Rs 300 to have a glimpse of the deity during this festival. Suddenly, the joy of the festival turns into sorrow in an instant due to such an accident.
