Kadapa: The grand Sri Rama Navami celebrations held by the Andhra Pradesh government at Vontimitta temple here saw tragic events unfolding today evening. With unexpected stormy winds and rains lashing in the town, the pilgrims who had come to witness the celestial wedding of Sri Rama and Sita at the temple had to face severe difficulties leading to the death of four people.

Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu who flew to Kadapa to participate in the temple programme was unable to reach the temple due to the winds and heavy rain. He has been restricted to the R&B guest house. It is learnt that huge trees near the temple got uprooted causing further inconvenience to the people who are running to find a shelter.

Due to the stormy winds, electrical short circuit occurred near the temple leading to electrocution of Chennaiah, belonging to Badwel. In another incident at Annadana Satram, an unidentified woman had a severe heart attack and passed away instantly.

Rains played spoilsport at Rama Navami celebrations

Two other persons were injured due to the stormy winds. Bhaskar, native of Boinapalli and Dhanunjay of Nadluru were injured when the shed they were standing under collapsed. The huge flex banners and tents that were erected for the occasion were all blown away in the winds. With the power failure, the entire temple was in dark and the pilgrims who had come to participate in the celebrations were facing severe problems.