Chaos erupted in Bangkok when a massive sinkhole, measuring 50 meters deep, suddenly appeared on the streets, engulfing cars and causing widespread panic among residents.
Earlier today, a significant section of a road in the Thai capital collapsed, leaving behind a massive cavity that led to the evacuation of the surrounding area. Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt attributed the incident to the construction activities related to an underground train station nearby.
Despite the alarming situation, fortunately, there were no reports of casualties. However, the collapse resulted in the destruction of three vehicles and severe disruptions to traffic flow for several hours. Disturbing videos capturing the incident show the road surface gradually sinking, toppling electricity poles, and damaging water pipelines.
The challenges are far from over as authorities issued warnings this afternoon about the potential exacerbation of the damage due to heavy rainfall, typical during Thailand’s monsoon season. The gaping hole, measuring 164 feet, came dangerously close to a police station, exposing its subterranean infrastructure. A nearby hospital announced the temporary closure of outpatient services for two days.
In recent times, Bangkok has gained popularity as the world’s most visited city in 2024, following the filming of HBO’s White Lotus series in the area. According to Euromonitor International’s World’s Top 100 City Destinations report, a record number of 32.4 million visitors flocked to the city.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and working swiftly to fill the gap,” stated Mr. Sittpunt, noting that the situation has somewhat stabilized, although minor shifts may persist. City officials in Bangkok confirmed that the hospital’s structural integrity remained intact, but precautionary evacuations were carried out for the police station and adjacent structures.
In the footage capturing the sinkhole incident, vehicles can be seen attempting to retreat as the hole expands, with pedestrians hastily fleeing before the road completely collapses. This event coincides with other parts of Asia bracing for the impact of Super Typhoon Ragasa, known as the “king of storms”.
Bangkok continues its recovery from a devastating 8.2 magnitude earthquake that recently struck Thailand, resulting in numerous casualties and widespread destruction. High-rise buildings crumbled to debris, engulfed in clouds of dust in the aftermath of the seismic event that rocked the Thai capital.
The earthquake, followed by a significant 6.2 magnitude aftershock, caused extensive devastation, including the collapse of a temple where worshippers had gathered, leading to fatalities among the monk worshippers inside. The toll from the earthquake is estimated to be significant, with fears of thousands trapped under the debris of collapsed structures, prompting emergency responders to initiate rescue operations.
