4-storey boys’ hostel collapses in Shimla; none hurt, traffic hit

The incident took place around noon at 16th mile at Marahwag village. The house was sinking and the base columns of the building had developed cracks, officials said.

Sources said that the building collapsed due to the excavation work in the hilly area above the house.

“The building was being used as a boys’ hostel where students stayed. The building was damaged from its roots. Reports have been received for the last three-four days that the four-story building could collapse anytime. People staying in the building were evacuated two days back. There was no one inside the building when it collapsed. The building collapsed on its own. So far, we have not found any criminal negligence behind the incident,” Shimla District Magistrate-cum-Deputy Commissioner Aditya Negi told The Indian Express.

When asked whether the structure complied with the building rules, Aditya Negi maintained that the four-story building was situated in Dhami, a rural area, and hence the building bylaws are not applicable.

Meanwhile, the road leading to the Government Degree College at Dhami got partially damaged due to the building collapse, leading to traffic disruption, the officials said.