Bangkok: A major road collapse in Bangkok near Vajira Hospital on Wednesday morning resulted in a massive sinkhole, swallowing several cars and electricity poles and forcing the evacuation of nearby residents. The sinkhole, which formed on Samsen Road above an under-construction subway station, is estimated to be approximately 20 meters (65 feet) deep and at least 30 meters wide.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt confirmed there were no casualties, though three vehicles were damaged in the collapse. According to city officials, the incident occurred when a tunnel beneath the road caved in, causing the soil above to quickly slide into the underground construction site. The situation was further exacerbated by broken water pipes, which poured water into the growing hole.
Dramatic videos of the event went viral on social media, showing the four-lane road slowly collapsing and taking with it power lines and a police truck. The sinkhole’s final edge came to a halt directly in front of a police station, exposing its entire underground foundation.
In response to the emergency, the nearby Vajira Hospital announced it would be closing its outpatient services for two days, though inpatient treatment would continue. Governor Sittipunt stated that the hospital’s underground foundational walls were stable and the building was considered safe. However, the police station facing the sinkhole has been declared a danger zone and was evacuated due to concerns about its compromised foundation. Officials have also cut off electricity and water supply to the affected area as a safety precaution.
The director of Bangkok’s disaster prevention department, Suriyachai Rawiwan, told reporters that the collapse was likely caused by a combination of recent heavy rain and a leaky pipe. The water from the pipe eroded the earth beneath the road, which then dropped into the under-construction subway station, leading to the collapse. The Mass Rapid Transit Authority, which is responsible for the subway project, has launched an investigation into the cause of the cave-in.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the site and expressed relief that there were no deaths or injuries. City authorities are now focused on backfilling the hole and stabilizing the surrounding area, with concerns that further heavy rain could worsen the damage during the current monsoon season.