Sinkhole on Samsen Road in Bangkok Causes Concern
A section of Samsen Road in front of Vajira Hospital in Bangkok subsided on Wednesday morning, forming a huge sinkhole about 20 meters deep. No injuries were reported.
The incident occurred at 7:13 am, with the sinkhole estimated to be 30 meters wide and 30 meters long. It formed immediately above the under-construction Vajira Hospital train station. The collapse occurred when a tunnel housing a subway track caved in, causing the soil above to shift quickly and slide into the underground station.
According to Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt, the tunnel’s collapse caused the soil to cave in, leading to the formation of the sinkhole. Broken pipes allowed water to pour into the hole, worsening the situation. Officials were monitoring a 100-meter radius around the site as the sliding and subsidence continued well into the afternoon.
Emergency Response Efforts
Traffic between the Vajira and Sanghi intersections was closed for safety reasons, as per the instructions of the Dusit District Office. Two electricity poles and a police vehicle fell into the hole after the collapse. Staff from the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) were on-site working to assess the situation.
A major inquiry would be set up, headed by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced during his visit to the scene. "We can’t say what caused this yet. There’s certainly been a mistake made, but this is all about engineering, and we must find out the cause," he said.
Risk of Further Damage
Nearby residents had reported seeing water seeping from the ground moments before the collapse, Mr. Anutin added. Authorities were concerned that rainfall could exacerbate the situation further, as it may cause more soil to flow into the openings.
A team was set up to evaluate and respond to rainfall scenarios. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) announced meetings would be held at noon and 6 pm daily to monitor the situation.
Impact on Surrounding Infrastructure
The safety of the five-storey Samsen Police Station is a major concern due to damage to its pilings. While hospital structures were not damaged, outpatient services at Vajira Hospital have been suspended, and about 3,500 inpatients were evacuated from nearby buildings. Residents of nearby apartments were also instructed to evacuate.
The area was previously closed due to the construction of the Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) Purple Line (Tao Poon and Rat Burana extension). The construction work is ongoing, with a tunnel being built under Samsen Road.
Rebuilding Efforts
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters that repairs to the tunnel and road would take at least a year. "The matter will be discussed as a matter of urgency when my new cabinet meets for the first time on Wednesday evening," he said.
Mr. Anutin, who is an engineer by training and whose family runs the country’s second-largest builder, Sino Thai Engineering and Construction, assured that there was no danger to people’s lives. "That’s all under control," he added.
A year to repair
As part of the rebuilding efforts, a team will be tasked with assessing the safety of surrounding buildings and monitoring soil movement in the area. The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) has already cut off water and electricity to the affected site to prevent further risks.
Other urgent measures ordered included sealing the tunnel leak, managing traffic in the area, and providing support services for those affected by the sinkhole.
Conclusion
The recent sinkhole on Samsen Road in Bangkok is a stark reminder of the importance of thorough infrastructure planning and regular maintenance. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of nearby buildings and the potential risks associated with ongoing construction projects in the area. As the city continues to expand, it is essential that authorities prioritize public safety and take proactive measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
In the meantime, residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow instructions from local authorities regarding evacuation procedures and traffic management. The BMA has assured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to mitigate the risks associated with this incident and ensure the continued smooth functioning of the city’s infrastructure.
The government will provide updates on the situation as more information becomes available, and residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels. As the rebuilding efforts get underway, it is crucial that authorities learn from this experience and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.