Delhi, 30 April (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives due to the collapse of a wall in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the injured.

The PMO India handle in post on X said:

“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the collapse of a wall in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.

An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi”

At least eight people have died, and several others are injured after a cement wall collapsed at the Simhachalam temple in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, early Wednesday. The wall fell as devotees queued for a Rs 300 ticket near a shopping complex during the annual Chandanamahotsavam celebrations. Sources indicate temporary structures, including tents, were erected for the anticipated large crowd. Heavy rains lashed the area for over an hour, causing soil to loosen on the hilly terrain. This resulted in the tents and temporary structures collapsing onto the new wall, which was part of nearby construction, leading to the tragedy.

—————

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar