BANGKOK, Sept 25 (TNA) – Thai authorities are rushing to fill a massive sinkhole that opened up in front of Vajira Hospital, with officials citing a burst water pipe as the likely cause.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt expressed concern over potential complications from rain and declared the area a disaster zone.
He said that approximately 50,000 sandbags (500 cubic meters) had been dropped, improving soil stability before reinforcing concrete can be poured. He ordered the removal of concrete and debris from the hole, asserting the wreckage would impede stabilization and raise the risk of further collapse
The Governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) Kajphajon Udomthamphakdi confirmed that a ruptured water pipe at a depth of three meters likely pushed soil and water pressure down into the adjacent under-construction subway tunnel and station, triggering the significant subsidence.
He described the incident as an “exceptional event” and confirmed a joint investigation with the Transport Ministry and external experts to determine the root cause and prevent recurrence in future subway construction.
The MRTA pledged to complete the first phase—sealing gaps with sandbags and cement, then restoring the road surface—within two weeks to reopen traffic. A second phase will focus on repairing the tunnel and station. – 819 (TNA)
