Massive Sinkhole Forms on Samsen Road in Dusit District of Bangkok, Multiple Buildings at Risk of Collapse
A massive sinkhole measuring 30 meters wide, 30 meters long, and 20 meters deep has formed on Samsen Road in the Dusit district of Bangkok, posing a significant threat to nearby buildings. The incident occurred when a tunnel housing the subway track caved in just after 7 am on Wednesday morning, causing the soil above to shift quickly and slide into the underground station. Broken pipes allowed water to pour into the hole, exacerbating the situation.
Emergency Response Efforts Underway
Workers were racing against time to fill the huge sinkhole site with sandbags and crushed stone to prevent further subsidence and possible collapse of at least one building. The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has identified the immediate priority as stopping soil and groundwater from moving into the Vajira Hospital station in Dusit district, which is currently under construction as part of the Purple Line extension route.
Sandbags Laid to Block Rainwater
To prevent rainwater from flowing into the sinkhole, sandbags were laid around the affected area. The MRTA warned that rainwater could cause further subsidence, making it essential to fill the sinkhole quickly. The sinkhole’s dimensions are significant, measuring 30 meters wide and long, and 20 meters deep.
Tunnel Collapse Causes Soil Shift
The collapse of the tunnel housing the subway track caused the soil above to shift rapidly and slide into the underground station. This rapid movement led to a loss of structural integrity in the surrounding buildings, putting them at risk of collapse. The authorities are working tirelessly to assess the situation and implement emergency measures to prevent further damage.
Samsen Police Station Building at Risk
A new and still unused building of the Samsen police station has been identified as being at high risk of collapse due to the lack of underground concrete walls protecting its structure. Officials admitted that about two pillars of the five-storey building disappeared, leaving it vulnerable to further damage.
Evacuation Efforts Underway
About 50 police officers and residents from approximately 20 local households have been evacuated from the affected area as a precautionary measure. Bedridden people and elderly residents living near the site are receiving assistance due to the disruption of tapwater supply caused by the collapse of the mains. Workers are also reconnecting internet cables in the area, including those serving Vajira Hospital.
Prime Minister Inspects Scene
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul inspected the scene on Wednesday and expressed his concern about the situation. He stated that repairs to the tunnel and road would take at least a year and that a major inquiry headed by the MRTA would be established to investigate the cause of the incident.
Engineers Assess Damage
Engineers are using specialized equipment, including laser instruments, to detect the movement of the Samsen Police Station building and assess its collapse risk. The data collected will help authorities make informed decisions about the safety of nearby buildings.
Reconstruction Efforts Ahead
The MRTA has confirmed that repairs to the tunnel and road will take a significant amount of time. As part of their efforts, they are setting up a major inquiry to discover the cause of the incident and implement measures to prevent similar situations in the future. The Prime Minister’s visit highlighted the gravity of the situation and underscored the need for swift action to address this crisis.
Conclusion
The massive sinkhole on Samsen Road has left multiple buildings at risk of collapse, highlighting the urgent need for emergency response efforts. Workers are racing against time to fill the sinkhole, while authorities assess the damage and implement measures to prevent further subsidence. The reconstruction efforts will be a long-term process, but it is essential that all parties work together to ensure the safety of residents and the integrity of nearby buildings.