A massive sinkhole measuring 30 meters wide and 50 meters deep suddenly opened in Bangkok on Wednesday morning (September 24), forcing evacuations and bringing traffic to a standstill in the city’s busy Dusit district.
The incident occurred around 6:30 AM in front of Vajira Hospital on Samsen Road, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
The giant sinkhole swallowed two electricity poles and even a forklift truck, local media reported. A white pickup truck was seen teetering dangerously at the edge of the crater, while underground hospital foundations were exposed.
Authorities quickly shut down traffic between the Vajira intersection and Sanghi intersection, causing severe congestion stretching for several kilometers. Videos shared on social media showed parts of the road collapsing, pulling down electricity poles and sparking fires that frightened nearby residents.
Sudden road collapse shocks Bangkok this morning.
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Patients from Vajira Hospital and nearby residents were swiftly evacuated from the affected area. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported so far.
“Luckily there are no deaths or injuries,” said Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt explained that the collapse was linked to ongoing construction at the new Vajira MRT station. A leak in a tunnel reportedly caused the ground to give way, while a burst water pipe damaged nearby power lines.
The sinkhole has caused major traffic disruptions in Dusit district, with road closures and diversions leading to long delays for commuters. Authorities continue to monitor the site and carry out urgent safety inspections to prevent further collapses.
