A massive sinkhole—measuring an astonishing 50 meters deep and spanning 900 square meters—has swallowed vehicles and electrical poles in the heart of Bangkok, sending shockwaves through the city and raising urgent questions about urban safety and infrastructure.
Chaos Unfolds Outside Vajira Hospital
Early on September 24, 2025, commuters and hospital staff were stunned as the ground on Samsen Road in front of Vajira Hospital suddenly gave way. The gaping chasm quickly consumed a vehicle, two electrical poles, and even a tow truck from the nearby Samsen police station.
Authorities rushed to the scene, cordoning off the area and evacuating the public. The hospital, a major medical facility in the Dusit district, immediately announced it would not accept new patients until the situation was under control.
What Caused the Sinkhole?
Bangkok’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul pointed to ongoing underground train construction as the likely culprit. He explained that dirt from the construction site had begun sliding into a void, triggering the collapse. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt added that a burst pipe had compounded the disaster, severing both water and power lines in the area.
By noon, officials reported that further ground movement had been halted, but the site remained under close surveillance as engineers assessed the risk of additional collapses.
Impact on City Life
The sinkhole’s location—directly in front of a major hospital and on a busy road—caused immediate and widespread disruption:
-
Traffic was halted on Samsen Road, a key artery in central Bangkok.
-
Power and water outages affected the hospital and surrounding neighborhoods.
-
Emergency services were diverted, and the hospital suspended patient intake.
Despite the dramatic scene, there were no reported injuries, thanks in part to the swift response from local authorities and the hospital’s rapid evacuation protocols.
Infrastructure Under Scrutiny
This incident has reignited debate about Bangkok’s aging infrastructure and the risks posed by rapid urban development. The city, built on soft, waterlogged ground, is no stranger to subsidence and flooding. However, the scale of this sinkhole—one of the largest in recent memory—has alarmed residents and experts alike.
Governor Chadchart Sittipunt acknowledged the ongoing danger, particularly to the nearby police station, and emphasized that public safety remains the top priority.
What’s Next for Bangkok?
As engineers work to stabilize the site and restore essential services, city officials are promising a thorough investigation into the causes of the collapse. There are growing calls for stricter oversight of construction projects and more robust monitoring of underground utilities.
For now, the area remains off-limits, and Bangkok’s residents are left grappling with the reality that beneath the city’s bustling streets, unseen dangers may lurk.
Sources
1. Massive sinkhole in Bangkok swallows vehicle, electrical poles
2. [XML] https://indianexpress.com/news-sitemap.xml
3. 2025 Bangkok road collapse - Wikipedia
4. Terrifying moment 50m sinkhole forms in Bangkok - YouTube
