Shimla/IBNS: In what could have been a major accident, a five-storey building collapsed amid heavy rains at Mathu Colony in Shimla's Bhattakufer area on Monday, media reports said.

No death was reported as the building, which is located near a hospital, was evacuated last night after cracks started appearing.

The initial reports suggest the cracks appeared due to the ongoing construction of a four-lane road in the area.

The collapse has triggered fear among the locals who are questioning the structural safety of their own houses.

The authorities are assessing the impact of the damage and the safety of the nearby structures.