[Watch] Thailand Rushes To Contain Massive Sinkhole In Front Of A Hospital In Bangkok

Bangkok: Thai authorities scrambled on Wednesday to stem the damage from a huge sinkhole that opened in front of Vajira Hospital in central Bangkok, cutting off utilities and crippling traffic in the area.

The crater, about 50 metres deep and covering roughly 900 square metres, emerged suddenly, halting movement on the road. Video circulating on social media showed the road sinking as water gushed from a drainage pipe, pulling down electricity poles, according to Reuters.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters, as quoted by Reuters, “Dirt from an underground train construction was sliding in. Luckily there are no deaths or injuries.”

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said, as quoted by Reuters, that a burst pipe had caused water, and power lines were severed. “The hospital has no problems, but we are worried about the police station: that’s still dangerous and the public has been evacuated,” he said.

By midday, officials reported they had halted further ground movement and were closely monitoring the site, Reuters added.