Charlotte, NC -- SouthPark Mall has been closed after a partial roof collapse was reported at 5 pm on Friday.
The Fire Department and emergency crews evacuated the mall, which had been flooded with water. Heavy rain and thunderstorms had been reported moving through the Charlotte area.
According to the Fire Department, no injuries have been reported.
Employees inside the mall told WBTV that it sounded like a shooting when the roof first buckled and collapsed and several people went screaming and running for the exits.
Structural engineers are working with firefighters to assess the building's structure. It is not known how long the mall will be closed.