Five-Storey Building Collapses In Seconds After Rains Lash Shimla: WATCH

A building collapsed due to possible highway construction destabilisation in Shimla. It narrowly avoided casualties due to a timely evacuation after cracks appeared.

Visuals show the building falling after heavy rains in Shimla.

Source : X

A major disaster was narrowly avoided in Shimla's Bhattakufer area after a five-storey building came crashing down in Mathu Colony early Monday morning. The structure collapsed along the route leading to Chamyana Super Speciality Hospital, sparking panic among residents and commuters.

There were no casualties or injuries, as authorities had vacated the building just hours earlier after alarming cracks began to appear. The timely evacuation prevented what could have been a deadly incident.

First rain and a multiple story building collapses in Shimla. Monsoon has just started and destruction is already here. Big question is what lessons were learnt from previous disasters or are we going to repeat the same story again? pic.twitter.com/r8tB9jZxjq

— Nikhil saini (@iNikhilsaini) June 30, 2025

Locals reported hearing loud creaks late at night, prompting concerns that led to the building being cleared in time. However, the collapse has intensified fears among residents of neighbouring buildings, many of which are now under watch for potential structural weaknesses.

Infrastructure Work Under Scrutiny In Shimal

Preliminary assessments suggest that the ongoing four-lane highway construction in the area may have played a role in destabilising the building’s foundation. According to initial findings, heavy machinery and deep excavation near the site likely caused shifts in soil and increased pressure on adjacent structures.

The incident has once again ignited debate over the safety of large-scale infrastructure development in ecologically sensitive and geologically fragile areas like Shimla. Local residents and housing associations are now demanding a thorough audit of all buildings in the vicinity and better safety measures by contractors and the administration.

Authorities have cordoned off the area and launched an inspection of nearby structures to ensure there are no further risks. Engineers and disaster response teams are currently on-site, assessing damage and reviewing potential hazards.

While the quick evacuation saved lives this time, the incident has raised urgent questions about construction oversight, land stability, and the need for stricter safeguards in hill-town development zones.