A severe subsidence incident occurred on Samsen Road in Bangkok on Wednesday morning, causing significant disruption and damage near Vajira Hospital. At approximately 7.13 am, a large sinkhole formed, measuring about 30 meters wide and deep, with an overall collapse area around 50 meters deep. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
The incident prompted the immediate closure of traffic between Vajira and Sanghi intersections to ensure public safety. Outpatient services at the hospital were temporarily suspended, and approximately 3,500 inpatients were evacuated from adjacent buildings as a precautionary measure, although initial reports suggested the hospital’s structures remained intact.
Not only were local residents in nearby apartments instructed to evacuate, but the collapse also claimed two electricity poles and a police vehicle. Technicians from the Metropolitan Electricity Authority quickly arrived on-site to address the electrical concerns.
This section of Samsen Road had already been closed for the construction of the Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) Purple Line extension. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and his team conducted an inspection at the site, indicating that the sinkhole formed specifically at the junction between the Vajira Hospital railway station tunnel and the station itself. The soil’s movement into the tunnel led to surrounding structural failures and the breakage of a significant water pipe.
In response to the crisis, water and electricity supplies were cut off in the area to mitigate any further dangers. Authorities outlined several urgent measures, including sealing the tunnel leak, assessing building safety, monitoring soil movement, and managing traffic flow around the affected zone.
An additional concern was the potential impact of upcoming rainfall, which could exacerbate the situation by causing more soil to flow into the existing openings. A dedicated team was established to monitor and address these weather-related threats effectively.
Despite these challenges, inpatient services at Vajira Hospital continued, while other hospitals managed outpatient care during the temporary suspension period. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration committed to holding regular meetings at noon and 6 pm daily to track progress and ensure swift response to evolving conditions.
This fast response reflects Bangkok’s ability to manage urban emergencies while maintaining healthcare services amidst such unforeseen challenges. The city’s proactive measures indicate a strong commitment to both public safety and infrastructure resilience.