Bangkok residents were left stunned early Wednesday after a massive sinkhole opened in front of Vajira Hospital, swallowing vehicles and toppling electricity poles.

The collapse, measuring about 30 by 30 meters wide and plunging 50 meters deep, tore through Samsen Road in the capital’s historic old town. Witnesses reported torrents of water flooding the streets as ruptured pipes burst, while downed power lines sparked dangerously across the area.

Governor Chadchart Sittipunt confirmed that the incident was likely caused by ongoing construction for a new underground train station. Authorities quickly closed surrounding roads and evacuated nearby patients and residents to ensure safety.

Emergency crews worked to contain the damage and secure the site, while engineers assessed the stability of nearby structures. The sinkhole has caused severe traffic disruptions, raising concerns over infrastructure safety in one of Bangkok’s busiest districts.