50-meter deep sinkhole causes disruption in Thai capital Bangkok

ISTANBUL

A 50-meter-deep sinkhole has disrupted daily life in Thailand's capital Bangkok on Wednesday.

The sinkhole swallowed a police tow truck and two utility poles, according to the public broadcaster Thai PBS.

The road collapse occurred in front of Vajira Hospital, which suspended its operations for two days, in Bangkok, and expanded to the front of the Samsen Police Station.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed concern about the police station’s structural integrity, noting that two to three of its foundation piles have broken.

According to initial assessments, the incident at the Vajira Hospital station of the Purple Line’s southern extension was caused by groundwater movement, which led to a ruptured water pipe.

No one was injured in the incident, which occurred around 7 am (0000GMT).

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that emergency and safety measures in the area included shutting off the water supply and providing alternative water distribution for residents, cutting power and removing nearby electrical lines for safety, as well as evaluating the stability of surrounding buildings.

The governor also warned that the situation could worsen due to heavy rainfall washing more soil into the open area.