A huge hole opened in the middle of a busy street in front of a hospital in the central part of the Thai capital Bangkok this morning, causing panic during peak traffic. The incident forced the evacuation of thousands of people from the area, DPA reported, quoted by NOVA.
"The crater measures 30 by 30 meters and is about 50 meters deep," the "Bangkok Post" wrote, citing local authorities.
Photos and videos show how a smaller section of the street first collapsed. Pedestrians start running and cars start backing up as more and more sections of the roadway collapse into the huge pit.
The incident occurred just above a newly constructed subway station. Two electric poles and a police truck fell into the pit, local authorities said. There were no reports of injuries. Authorities evacuated thousands of patients from a nearby hospital and residents of surrounding residential buildings.
Activities at "Vajirao" Hospital in Bangkok have been partially suspended, with outpatient services suspended, although patients admitted to the hospital continue to receive care. An inspection showed that the structure of the building was not damaged, authorities said.
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The "Nation" newspaper reported heavy traffic jams in the area. Crews are working to stabilize the ground around the huge hole amid fears that rains could cause more collapses on the street.
The cause of the collapse is still under investigation.