A major road collapse occurred in Bangkok on Wednesday morning, creating a massive sinkhole in front of Vajira Hospital on Samsen Road. The sudden cave-in swallowed at least three vehicles and severely disrupted electricity and water supplies in the area.
Eyewitnesses reported that just after 7 a.m., a large section of the road caved in, forming a crater about 30 meters wide and 50 meters deep. A major water pipe burst immediately after the collapse, flooding the area and worsening the situation. Nearby power poles also toppled, cutting off electricity in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Three vehicles plunged into the sinkhole, though no casualties have been reported so far. For safety reasons, Vajira Hospital has temporarily suspended its outpatient services. People from nearby buildings, including the hospital and a police station, have been evacuated.
Preliminary investigations suggest that ongoing metro rail tunnel and station construction may have created underground voids. Recent heavy rainfall and the burst water pipe further weakened the ground, leading to the massive collapse.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt inspected the site, confirming that a full investigation is underway and that the construction company will be held accountable. The area has been cordoned off, and emergency teams have begun surveying the damage while electricity and water supplies remain suspended.
Experts warn that the incident highlights the urgent need for stricter oversight of urbanization and infrastructure projects. Without closer monitoring of underground soil stability and drainage systems during large-scale construction, similar disasters could occur in the future.
