At least seven people died and four others were injured in a tragic incident that took place in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam on Tuesday evening, April 30. The incident occurred during the Chandanotsavam festival at Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple when a 20-foot-long platform suddenly collapsed during the gathering.
After the incident teams from State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were deployed at the site to rescue the people. The search and rescue operation are currently underway, said District collector Harendra Prasad. Bodies of victims has been pulled out from debris.
Visuals From the Collapse Site
Andhra Pradesh home minister Vangalapudi Anitha visited the accident site along with the Disaster Management team to review the ongoing rescue work. An SDRF jawan said that they have visited at around 2.30 am. "Seven people died in the incident. The injured have been sent to the hospital for treatment...We immediately reached the spot after the incident was reported," he said further.
"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," BJP former MLC Madhav said.