Bangkok sinkhole opens near hospital, linked to subway project
A massive sinkhole opened in front of Vajira Hospital in Bangkok’s Dusit district on 24 Sept, forcing road closures, evacuations, and hospital service suspensions. Authorities linked the collapse to ongoing Purple Line subway works. No injuries were reported, but the incident has reignited concerns over Bangkok’s infrastructure safety.
- Sinkhole opened at 7am, 24 Sept, outside Vajira Hospital in Bangkok.
- Collapse linked to Purple Line subway extension construction.
- State Railway of Thailand halted works; engineers investigating.
- Roads sealed, nearby residents evacuated, hospital outpatient services suspended.
A massive sinkhole opened in front of Vajira Hospital in Bangkok’s Dusit district early on 24 September, forcing road closures and triggering evacuations.
The collapse occurred at around 7 am, according to Thai authorities.
No injuries were reported, but the incident has raised fresh concerns about the city’s infrastructure safety.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt confirmed that the collapse was linked to the Purple Line subway extension, which is under construction in the area.
The State Railway of Thailand has ordered work suspended at the site while engineers investigate.
According to Khaosod English, a Thai news site, the sinkhole measured about 30 by 30 meters and was reported to be more than 15 meters deep.
However, other outlets, including Nation Thailand, have described the hole as closer to 50 meters deep.
Authorities have sealed off the Vajira Hospital intersection, halted outpatient services at the hospital for at least two days, and evacuated nearby residents as a precaution.
The Purple Line extension is one of Bangkok’s largest infrastructure undertakings, running from Parliament through Sam Sen and under the Chao Phraya River toward Suksawat.
The section near Vajira Hospital is considered among the most technically challenging along the route.
