This is the shocking moment several shoppers, including children, were crushed beneath the ceiling of a mall when it suddenly collapsed.

The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, July 18, at the lower ground floor of the Fortune Plaza in Hechuandistrict, Chongqing, China.

CCTV footage of the aftermath shows the scene descending into chaos and confusion as several victims were trapped under the massive 160-square-metre section that tore off from the ceiling.

A third clip shows volunteers helping security staff and paramedics carry the injured away from the scene of the accident for treatment.

Others also helped clear the fallen building materials so the victims could be saved.

Witnesses said that there were many people near the collapse because it was close to the playground.

Fortunately, no one was killed, but a total of six people were wounded.

The cause of the collapse is under investigation.