A massive 50-metre-deep sinkhole, covering roughly 900 square metres, opened on Samsen Road in front of Vajira Hospital, Bangkok, on Wednesday, 24 September 2025, causing major traffic disruption and infrastructure damage.
The road began to shift around 5:00 am and collapsed fully by 7:00 am, swallowing at least three vehicles—including a truck and a police vehicle—and several electricity poles. Broken water pipes caused flooding, and live power cables were exposed, prompting temporary cuts to water and electricity services. Nearby buildings, including Samsen Police Station, were evacuated, while Vajira Hospital suspended outpatient services for two days, continuing only emergency and inpatient care.
Authorities linked the sinkhole to ongoing construction of the Purple Line metro station. Soil instability, a burst water pipe, and heavy rainfall from an approaching typhoon contributed to the collapse. Officials confirmed all safety measures and regulations had been followed but announced a committee of engineering and safety experts will investigate the incident.
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) and contractors stabilized the site using sandbags and concrete. Basic traffic restoration may take up to two weeks, while full repairs, including the metro foundation, could take up to a year. Traffic on surrounding roads, especially from Krung Thon Bridge into central Bangkok, was severely affected.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the scene, ordering full evacuation of high-risk areas and promising a thorough investigation. Dramatic social media footage showed vehicles and infrastructure disappearing into the massive crater.
Authorities warned residents and commuters to avoid the area as repairs and safety inspections continue, raising concerns about the rapid pace and safety standards of Bangkok’s underground construction projects during the monsoon season.
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