BANGKOK, Sept 24 — Thai authorities rushed to contain a massive sinkhole near a hospital in central Bangkok that disrupted utilities and traffic, officials said today.
The 50-metre deep sinkhole extended about 900 square metres in front of the Vajira Hospital, halting traffic.
Footage on social media showed the road slowly sinking as water poured out from a drainage pipe, dragging down electricity poles. The hospital announced that it would not take on patients during the incident.
"Dirt from an underground train construction was sliding in. Luckily, there are no deaths or injuries," Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told the press.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said a pipe had burst, so water and power lines have also been cut.
"The hospital has no problems, but we are worried about the police station: that is still dangerous and the public has been evacuated," he said.
By 12pm, the authorities said they had halted further ground movement and were monitoring the site closely.
