Bangkok: A road collapse occurred in front of Vichaiyavej Hospital on Charan Sanit Road, injuring one motorcyclist. The area has been cordoned off for investigation.
According to Thai News Agency, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Public Works Department is investigating the incident at the Fai Chai intersection, which is part of a drainage pipe repair project. Two lanes of traffic have been blocked off for inspection, but vehicles can still pass through the Fai Chai intersection underpass.
At approximately 2:50 PM, the road collapse happened at the Fai Chai intersection on Charansanitwong Road, Ban Chang Lo Subdistrict, Bangkok Noi District. Mr. Napapol Monmanassithi, Director of Bangkok Noi District, reported that the collapse took place on the side heading towards the Fai Chai intersection, directly in front of Vichaiyavej Hospital. The damaged lane has an estimated depth of 2 meters and a length of 5 meters. Officials are conducting a detailed investigation into the collapse, with the initial cause still under scrutiny.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Department of Public Works is examining the site, which is involved in excavating a culvert for drainage work. The investigation is considering whether heavy rainfall over the past few days caused the underlying soil to subside or slide, or if errors during construction work contributed to the collapse. Adjacent to the site is a canal, which may also play a role in the incident. The Governor of Bangkok has mandated a thorough inspection of all underground construction and repair projects in the city for safety reasons.
Professor Dr. Amorn Pimanamas, President of the Structural Engineers Association of Thailand, noted that road subsidence has occurred on Charansanitwong Road before, in 2021 and 2023. Today's incident saw the road break in a V-shape, indicating a loss of supporting soil rather than damage to the road surface. The possible causes include underground utility pipe leaks, heavy rain causing soil liquefaction, nearby construction activities, or a broken water or drainage pipe washing away soil.
Professor Dr. Amorn Pimanamas emphasized the need for relevant agencies to monitor soil erosion, especially during the rainy season. He suggested using scanning equipment to periodically check for potholes or underground craters to ensure driver safety.