BANGKOK, Thailand — September 24, 2025: A catastrophic sinkhole opened early this morning on Samsen Road in front of Vajira Hospital in central Bangkok, resulting in at least one confirmed fatality and significant infrastructure damage. The incident has prompted widespread media coverage and public concern.
Massive Collapse Near Vajira Hospital
At approximately 7:00 AM local time, a section of Samsen Road, a major thoroughfare in the Dusit district, collapsed into a massive sinkhole measuring approximately 30 meters wide and 50 meters deep. The collapse engulfed several vehicles, including a police tow truck and a pickup truck, and brought down electricity poles and water pipes. The sinkhole’s proximity to Vajira Hospital, a key medical facility in the area, raised immediate concerns about structural integrity and safety.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud rumble before the ground gave way. Dramatic video footage shared on social media platforms shows vehicles teetering on the edge of the sinkhole before being swallowed by the earth. The collapse disrupted traffic and led to the suspension of outpatient services at Vajira Hospital.
Authorities Respond to the Crisis
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt confirmed that the sinkhole was caused by soil and water leakage into a tunnel under construction for the MRT Purple Line extension. The leak occurred at the Vajira Hospital station site, leading to surface subsidence. Governor Sittipunt expressed concern for the nearby police station, which remains at risk, prompting public evacuation. Power and water supplies were cut to the affected area as a precautionary measure.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced that the matter would be discussed at a special cabinet meeting later today. He noted that repairing the tunnel at the incident site would take approximately one year.
Emergency response teams, including the Royal Thai Police and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, are on-site coordinating rescue and recovery operations. Engineers are assessing the stability of surrounding structures, and efforts are underway to stabilize the area and prevent further ground movement.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
The incident has garnered widespread attention both locally and internationally. Dramatic footage of the sinkhole’s formation and the subsequent collapse has been widely shared on social media platforms, sparking discussions about urban infrastructure safety and the potential risks associated with large-scale construction projects.
Netizens have expressed concern over the adequacy of safety measures in place for such projects and have called for increased oversight and accountability. The incident has also prompted discussions about the need for improved urban planning and infrastructure resilience in the face of rapid urbanization and climate-related challenges.
Ongoing Investigations and Future Measures
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of the sinkhole and are examining the construction practices employed at the MRT Purple Line extension site. The investigation will focus on determining whether proper safety protocols were followed and whether any negligence contributed to the incident.
In the meantime, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has announced plans to conduct thorough inspections of other ongoing construction projects in the city to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future. The government has pledged to take swift action to address any identified deficiencies and to implement measures to enhance the safety and resilience of urban infrastructure.
FAQs
A: The sinkhole was caused by soil and water leakage into a tunnel under construction for the MRT Purple Line extension, leading to surface subsidence.
A: At least one fatality has been confirmed, with several vehicles and infrastructure damaged.
A: Authorities have evacuated nearby buildings, cut power and water supplies, and initiated an investigation into the cause of the sinkhole.
