Evacuation, traffic shutdown after sinkhole near Vajira Hospital

Evacuations were ordered this morning near Vajira Hospital on Samsen Road, after a massive sinkhole collapsed the road surface and began expanding.

All traffic flow in the area has been stopped, including at Vajira Hospital Intersection, Sanghi Intersection and surrounding roads, causing severe congestion.

Outpatient services at the usually crowded hospital have been suspended and all patients have already been evacuated.

The collapse occurred at 7.13am, creating a sinkhole approximately 30 x 30 metres wide and 50 metres deep, which swallowed a crane truck and two utility poles.

Video footage captured the terrifying moment of the collapse, with a loud rumble clearly heard in the background.

The collapse has also ruptured a large water main, leading to flooding in the sinkhole.

The number of injured remains unconfirmed at this time.

As the sinkhole continues to expand, residents and workers in nearby buildings are being evacuated.