Article (≈500 words):
Early Wednesday morning, a massive sinkhole dramatically opened up on Samsen Road, right in front of Vajira Hospital in Bangkok, sending shockwaves through the city and leaving infrastructure hanging by a thread.
At approximately 7:00 a.m. local time, the ground began caving in. The roadway cracked, water pipes burst, and electric poles collapsed as large chunks of earth descended into the void.Public and traffic authorities scrambled to evacuate nearby buildings, including the adjacent police station, and shut down roads approaching the area.
The sinkhole is believed to be about 30 × 30 meters (≈98 x 98 ft) in area and as deep as 50 meters (≈164 ft). Officials say no injuries or fatalities have been reported so far, though three vehicles were damaged in the collapse.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt attributed the collapse to ongoing construction beneath the road—specifically the extension of the Purple Line subway. Soil apparently slipped into the tunnel and compromised the station–tunnel junction, destabilizing the surface above. He also warned that heavy rains in the monsoon season pose a serious risk of further ground movement.
The impact was immediate for the hospital. Vajira suspended outpatient services for at least two days, while continuing inpatient care. Many residents in surrounding buildings were evacuated as a precaution. Utilities—particularly water and electricity—were cut in the area to prevent further hazards.
In video and social media posts, people watched in disbelief as the street slowly sank. Cars backed away; debris and dust filled the air. The edge of the collapse stopped just short of a police station, exposing parts of its foundation and underground structure.
As officials scramble to stabilize the area, the event has become a stark symbol of the risks Bangkok faces while pushing ahead with large-scale underground development. The balance between progress and safety may be more fragile than ever.
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