Massive sinkhole devours cars and power poles in Bangkok

A section of Samsen Road near a local hospital in Bangkok collapsed on Wednesday, forming a massive sinkhole that swallowed vehicles and electricity poles, forcing nearby residents to evacuate.

The collapse occurred above an under-construction subway station during the morning hours, creating a chasm approximately 20 metres (65 feet) deep and 30 metres wide, according to authorities.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt confirmed that no casualties were reported, though three vehicles were damaged. He explained that the incident was triggered when a tunnel under the road caved in, causing the soil above to shift rapidly and slide into the underground station.

"The situation has somewhat stabilised, though slight sliding may continue," Sittipunt said, adding that authorities were urgently working to backfill the gap. The collapse was worsened by broken water pipes that poured water into the hole, intensifying the soil erosion.

Videos of the incident quickly went viral on social media, capturing the terrifying moment the road sank and several electricity poles toppled into the sinkhole. Water pipes were also damaged in the collapse.

Authorities are closely monitoring the site as efforts continue to repair the road and restore utility services.