Massive Sinkhole Disrupts Traffic and Forces Evacuations Near Bangkok Hospital

World News

Massive Sinkhole Disrupts Traffic and Forces Evacuations Near Bangkok Hospital

2 months ago

News sources:

SCMP 2

CHANNELNEWSASIA

REUTERS

DAWN

CBSNEWS

Massive Sinkhole Disrupts Traffic and Forces Evacuations Near Bangkok Hospital

Credited from: REUTERS

A 50-meter deep sinkhole opened near Vajira Hospital in Bangkok.
Authorities evacuated nearby residents, and outpatient services at the hospital were suspended.
The sinkhole is linked to construction work for a new MRT tunnel.
No injuries reported; emergency crews are on-site managing the situation.
Over 50,000 sandbags are being used to stabilize the area.

A massive sinkhole measuring approximately 50 meters deep opened on Wednesday morning in front of Vajira Hospital, causing significant disruption to traffic and leading to the evacuation of nearby residents, with no injuries reported so far, according to SCMP and Channel News Asia.

The sinkhole, which has disrupted utilities and forced the closure of surrounding roads, is believed to be linked to a burst water pipe and ongoing construction for a new MRT station, with reports indicating that soil erosion contributed to the collapse, according to Reuters and Dawn.

The Bangkok Governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, stated that emergency crews are working diligently to stabilize the area and prevent more damage, emphasizing that the situation is a test for the city, according to CBS News and SCMP.

To address the issue, contractors are using over 50,000 sandbags and crushed rocks to plug the sinkhole, with operations occurring overnight to minimize the risk of further subsidence and infrastructural damage, according to SCMP and Reuters.