Massive Sinkhole in Bangkok Swallows Truck, Forces Hospital Evacuation
Massive Sinkhole Opens in Bangkok, Swallows Truck
Panic gripped Bangkok early Wednesday morning (24 September) when a massive sinkhole measuring 50 meters deep suddenly formed near Vajira Hospital in the Dusit district. The incident occurred around 7:15 AM local time and is believed to be caused by a burst water pipe at an underground MRT construction site.
Viral Videos Show Truck Falling In, Water Gushing, and Electrical Sparks
Shocking videos circulating on social media show the full extent of the disaster — the entire roadway collapsed, water gushed from broken pipes, and electrical sparks erupted as power lines snapped.
One particularly terrifying clip captured a large lorry plunging straight into the sinkhole, which continued to widen until it stretched beneath nearby buildings.
No Injuries Reported, But Hospital Services Suspended
Despite the alarming scene, local authorities confirmed that no injuries have been reported as of now. However, Vajira Hospital, a major medical facility and teaching hospital, was forced to suspend outpatient services temporarily.
Surrounding areas and hospital buildings were evacuated as a precaution, and roads between the Vajira and Sanghi intersections have been closed to the public.
Burst Pipe and Recent Heavy Rains Identified as Cause
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that the sinkhole was caused by a burst water pipe beneath the road, which is part of a tunnel being built for a new MRT station.
Bangkok’s Disaster Prevention Director, Suriyachai Rawiwan, told AFP at the scene:
“There was a leak in the water pipe. The water eroded the soil beneath the road, creating the sinkhole. The soil was then carried into the underground train station under construction, causing the collapse.”
He also noted that recent heavy rainfall may have worsened the erosion process, accelerating the disaster.
Resident Says Her Building Shook From the Collapse
One hospital worker who lives in a nearby apartment block described the terrifying moment to CNA:
“It sounded like an electric pole crashing down. My entire flat was shaking.”
Similar to Kuala Lumpur Tragedy in Masjid India
The Bangkok incident bears a striking resemblance to the tragic sinkhole event in Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur, which claimed the life of an Indian tourist earlier this year.
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