NN ONLINE:
A section of road in Bangkok collapsed on Wednesday, creating a massive sinkhole that disrupted traffic, damaged infrastructure, and forced evacuations in the surrounding area.
No casualties were reported, though three vehicles were damaged in the incident, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said. He noted that preliminary findings suggest ongoing construction work at an underground train station caused the collapse.
Dramatic footage showed the road gradually sinking, pulling down several electricity poles and rupturing water pipes. Cars were seen hastily reversing as the sinkhole widened, eventually cutting off the four-lane roadway. One side of the collapse ended at the entrance of a police station, exposing its underground foundation.
Authorities evacuated people from the police station and nearby buildings as a precaution. A hospital in the vicinity announced closure of its outpatient services for two days, although city officials confirmed the facility’s structure was not compromised.
Power and water supplies in the area were cut off to reduce risks. Governor Chadchart said repair crews are working to fill and stabilize the sinkhole as quickly as possible, warning that heavy rains during Bangkok’s ongoing monsoon season — which typically lasts from May to October — could worsen the situation.
