Watch: Bangkok Sinkhole Swallows Cars, Poles in Shocking Video
Bangkok was jolted on Wednesday as a massive sinkhole opened up, swallowing part of a busy street and forcing nearby evacuations. Dramatic videos show the ground collapsing in front of a hospital, pulling down electricity poles and damaging water pipes. Thankfully, no one was hurt, though three vehicles were destroyed.
The sinkhole measured about 30 by 30 metres. Footage captured a car and an electric pole being engulfed as the road gave way.
Officials, including Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, say the collapse was likely caused by ongoing construction at a nearby underground station. Soil flowing into the tunnel triggered the collapse, also breaking a large water pipe.
Nearby buildings, including a hospital and a police station, were evacuated. Outpatient services at the hospital are suspended for two days, and electricity and water in the area have been cut as a precaution. Emergency teams are sealing the tunnel leak, assessing building safety, monitoring soil, and managing traffic.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the site, warned that repairs to the tunnel and road could take at least a year. He confirmed the matter will be a top priority in his new cabinet’s first meeting.
Authorities are racing to repair the site, mindful that heavy rains could worsen the damage.
The sinkhole measured about 30 by 30 metres. Footage captured a car and an electric pole being engulfed as the road gave way.
Officials, including Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, say the collapse was likely caused by ongoing construction at a nearby underground station. Soil flowing into the tunnel triggered the collapse, also breaking a large water pipe.
Nearby buildings, including a hospital and a police station, were evacuated. Outpatient services at the hospital are suspended for two days, and electricity and water in the area have been cut as a precaution. Emergency teams are sealing the tunnel leak, assessing building safety, monitoring soil, and managing traffic.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the site, warned that repairs to the tunnel and road could take at least a year. He confirmed the matter will be a top priority in his new cabinet’s first meeting.
Authorities are racing to repair the site, mindful that heavy rains could worsen the damage.
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