A massive sinkhole measuring 50 meters deep appeared in Bangkok, causing chaos among residents as it swallowed cars. The collapse of a road section in the Thai capital this morning created a gaping hole, leading to evacuations in the vicinity. According to Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt, the collapse is believed to be linked to construction work on an underground train station nearby.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but the incident destroyed three vehicles and caused significant traffic disruptions for several hours. Videos captured the road sinking gradually, pulling down electricity poles and damaging water pipes in the process.
Authorities have issued warnings that heavy rainfall, typical during Thailand’s monsoon season, could exacerbate the situation. The collapse halted just in front of a police station, exposing its underground structure, prompting a nearby hospital to suspend outpatient services for two days.
In 2024, Bangkok emerged as the most visited city globally, with 32.4 million visitors, attributed to the popularity boost from the filming of the third season of White Lotus by HBO. Efforts are underway to monitor and repair the damage, with Bangkok city officials assuring that the hospital’s structure remains intact. Evacuations were ordered for the police station and nearby buildings.
Footage shows cars attempting to retreat as the sinkhole expands, with pedestrians fleeing before the road is completely severed. Meanwhile, Asia braces for Super Typhoon Ragasa, known as the “king of storms.”
Bangkok is still recovering from a devastating 8.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Thailand, claiming hundreds of lives. The earthquake reduced high-rise buildings to rubble, sending clouds of dust into the air. The tremors, followed by a 6.2 magnitude aftershock, caused massive destruction, including the collapse of a temple where worshippers lost their lives. The extent of the disaster may have resulted in thousands of casualties, with emergency teams working to rescue survivors trapped in collapsed buildings.