Dreams shattered as newlyweds among seven killed in Simhachalam wall collapse
1 May 2025 12:00 PM IST1 May 2025 12:00 PM IST
In a cruel twist of fate, the collapse claimed not just the young couple but also Shailaja’s mother, Paila Venkata Ratnam, 50, and her aunt, Gujjari Mahalakshmi, 65—four members of a single family lost in a moment.
Picture by arrangement
What began as a sacred pilgrimage ended in heartbreak when a newly constructed wall collapsed during the Chandanotsavam festival at Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple, claiming seven lives and devastating several families.
Among the victims were Pilla Umamaheswara Rao, 30, and his wife, Pilla Shailaja, 26, software engineers married for just three years. The couple, who worked remotely for Hyderabad-based companies from their home in Chandrampalem near Madhurawada, had been waiting in the ₹300 special darshan queue when tragedy struck without warning.
“They had such beautiful dreams,” said Dharma Rao, a relative, his voice breaking with emotion. “They were pursuing higher education while building their careers, hoping to settle abroad. Now, all those dreams are shattered in an instant—a devastating tragedy.”
“They had such beautiful dreams,” said Dharma Rao, a relative, his voice breaking with emotion. “They were pursuing higher education while building their careers, hoping to settle abroad. Now, all those dreams are shattered in an instant—a devastating tragedy.”
NDRF and Fire Department personnel deployed for the rescue operations after seven devotees died from a wall collapse
incident during the Simhachalam Chandanotsavam event atop Simhachalam in Visakhapatnam district on Wednesday. (Photo by Arrangement)
In a cruel twist of fate, the collapse claimed not just the young couple but also Shailaja’s mother, Paila Venkata Ratnam, 50, and her aunt, Gujjari Mahalakshmi, 65—four members of a single family lost in a moment.
“Who will take responsibility for our family?” questioned Krishna Veni, a relative, tears streaming down her face as she joined others protesting outside King George Hospital. “Four members of my family are gone at once.”
Mahalakshmi leaves behind two children who must now face life without their mother. Meanwhile, Umamaheswara’s brother has become the sole earning member of his family, prompting relatives to seek employment assistance.
The collapse also claimed the lives of Durga Swami Naidu, 33, an interior designer from Konaseema district who had shifted to Seethammadara three years ago to establish his business, and his friend Manikanta Eswara Sesha, 28. The seventh victim was Edla Venkata Rao, 45, a steel plant employee from Adavivaram, Visakhapatnam.
Families of the deceased have gathered at KGH, demanding justice and compensation. “The wall that collapsed was recently constructed,” said Joga Rao, Umamaheswara’s uncle. “We are demanding justice. The contractor and engineer responsible should be suspended immediately.”
The bereaved families are seeking an ex gratia payment of ₹1 crore for each affected family and government jobs for surviving dependents.
Mahalakshmi leaves behind two children who must now face life without their mother. Meanwhile, Umamaheswara’s brother has become the sole earning member of his family, prompting relatives to seek employment assistance.
The collapse also claimed the lives of Durga Swami Naidu, 33, an interior designer from Konaseema district who had shifted to Seethammadara three years ago to establish his business, and his friend Manikanta Eswara Sesha, 28. The seventh victim was Edla Venkata Rao, 45, a steel plant employee from Adavivaram, Visakhapatnam.
Families of the deceased have gathered at KGH, demanding justice and compensation. “The wall that collapsed was recently constructed,” said Joga Rao, Umamaheswara’s uncle. “We are demanding justice. The contractor and engineer responsible should be suspended immediately.”
The bereaved families are seeking an ex gratia payment of ₹1 crore for each affected family and government jobs for surviving dependents.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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