Bangkok Sinkhole Near Vajira Hospital Deepens

A massive sinkhole opened early Wednesday on Samsen Road in Bangkok's Dusit district outside Vajira Hospital and a nearby police station, swallowing part of a four‑lane road, dragging down vehicles, power lines and a water pipe, and causing no injuries. Officials and eyewitnesses said the collapse was linked to nearby under‑construction subway works that created a void, a burst or leaking water pipe that eroded soil into that void, and recent heavy monsoon rain. Authorities put the crater at roughly 27–30 metres wide and nearly 50 metres deep. The collapse damaged at least three vehicles, prompted evacuations of the hospital, police station and nearby apartments, disrupted power and water, and forced Vajira Hospital to suspend outpatient services for days. Engineers poured concrete and used cranes and sandbags to stabilise the site while investigators from the Mass Rapid Transit Authority and other agencies probe the failure and authorities cordoned off the area to backfill and assess surrounding structures. Officials warned continuing monsoon or typhoon‑related rains could worsen damage and said repairs and safety assessments are ongoing.