Cars Plunge as Road Collapses... Massive Sinkhole Forms in Bangkok, Thailand

Evacuation of Patients and Others from Nearby University Hospital

A massive sinkhole formed after a road collapse in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, paralyzing nearby traffic as well as the water and power networks.

On the morning of the 24th (local time), the ground beneath a four-lane road in the Dusit district of western Bangkok, in front of the well-known Vajira Hospital and a police station, caved in. This resulted in a huge sinkhole measuring at least 30 meters wide, approximately 900 square meters in area, and about 50 meters deep.

Bangkok Mayor Chadchart Sittipunt stated, "There were no casualties from the collapse, but three vehicles fell into the sinkhole, causing property damage." He suggested that ongoing subway construction in the area was likely the cause.

On the 24th (local time), a massive sinkhole formed due to the collapse of a road in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

Video footage from the scene shows the ground beneath the road collapsing as a truck falls in, and nearby citizens fleeing in panic. When part of the ground beneath Vajira Hospital also subsided, authorities quickly evacuated people from the hospital and restricted traffic in the area.

The hospital decided to suspend outpatient services for two days and stated that the underground pillars of the building remain intact, so the building is currently safe. However, the foundation of the nearby police station building has been damaged, creating a dangerous situation, according to Bangkok city authorities.

The collapse also ruptured underground water pipes and power lines, causing water to gush out and electrical sparks to occur. As a result, authorities suspended water and electricity supply in the area.

Mayor Chadchart added that with the risk of further damage if heavy rain falls, relevant agencies are working to restore the site as quickly as possible. Thailand is currently entering its rainy season.