Massive sinkhole in Bangkok, Thailand after heavy rainfall

A massive sinkhole, which was about 50m wide, opened near Vajira Hospital and a local police station in Bangkok, pulling down power lines and revealing a burst water pipe. Officials believe the collapse was caused by heavy rainfall and/or a leaking pipe that weakened the ground, sending soil into an under-construction subway tunnel. The state-run Mass Rapid Transit Authority, which is building the line, has pledged to investigate. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the scene, expressed concern, and ordered residents in danger to be relocated. He also indicated that repairs to the damaged tunnel could take up to a year. The collapse forced the evacuation of the nearby police station, with officers relocating operations about 2.4 kilometers away. Authorities sealed off the area as emergency crews worked to remove vehicles from the edge of the hole. A pickup truck hanging precariously was lifted to safety by crane, though at least one other truck fell in as the road gave way. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt confirmed that soil had been drawn into the subway construction site, triggering the cave-in. The incident caused disruptions to nearby institutions, including Vajira Hospital, which suspended outpatient services until Thursday while keeping emergency and surgical units open. Witnesses described the frightening moments when the road gave way. A hospital employee said he was startled awake by a deep rumble that rattled his apartment, likening it to the crash of a falling power pole. Meanwhile, Suan Dusit University, situated nearby, permitted staff to work remotely and moved students to online classes as a safety measure.