A massive road collapse on Samsen Road in Bangkok's Dusit district has forced authorities to shut down traffic and evacuate the area. The incident, which occurred on the morning of September 24, 2025, has caused significant disruption in front of Vajira Hospital, damaging public utilities and creating severe traffic congestion.
What Happened on Samsen Road?
Video from Khaosod English
At approximately 7:13 a.m., a section of Samsen Road in front of Vajira Hospital began to subside, reportedly due to a burst underground water pipe. The initial collapse quickly escalated, forming a massive sinkhole measuring about 30 by 30 meters wide and an alarming 50 meters deep.
The subsidence continued to expand, affecting the area in front of both Vajira Hospital and the nearby Samsen police station. The instability caused two electricity poles and a police tow truck to fall into the crater, prompting an urgent response from the Metropolitan Electricity Authority to secure the area and prevent further hazards.
The collapse occurred near the construction site for the new MRT Purple Line extension's "Vajira Station." Officials from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and other agencies are on-site, working to stabilize the ground and assess the full extent of the damage. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt arrived at the scene around 8 a.m. to oversee the emergency response.
As a precaution, authorities have evacuated patients, medical staff, and residents from Vajira Hospital and nearby apartment buildings. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far.
Timeline of the Collapse on Samsen Road
The situation unfolded rapidly, with emergency services responding swiftly to the escalating crisis.
- 7:13 a.m. – A large sinkhole, approximately 50 meters deep, appears on Samsen Road in front of Vajira Hospital. The collapse begins to expand toward the hospital and the Samsen police station.
- 7:24 a.m. – The subsidence spreads closer to hospital buildings, prompting authorities to begin evacuating patients and residents from the immediate area.
- 7:45 a.m. – As the sinkhole widens, two electricity poles and a Samsen police station tow truck fall into the crater. Officials from the Metropolitan Electricity Authority arrive to manage the situation.
- 7:50 a.m. – Residents in nearby apartments are instructed to evacuate.
- 8:00 a.m. – Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt arrives to inspect the site and coordinate the response efforts.
Traffic Impact and Alternative Routes for Samsen Road
The road collapse has caused major traffic disruptions in the Dusit district. Authorities have completely closed Samsen Road between the Vajira intersection and the Sanghi intersection to ensure public safety and allow for repair work.
The closure has resulted in severe congestion, with traffic backing up for several kilometers, particularly on the inbound Krung Thon (Sanghi) Bridge.
Commuters are advised to avoid the area and use the following alternative routes:
- Ratchawithi Road: This road runs parallel to Samsen Road and can be used as a primary detour to bypass the closed section.
- Sri Ayutthaya Road or Phahonyothin Road: These routes can help drivers navigate around the heavily congested Dusit area.
Motorists should follow real-time updates from the BMA and local traffic police for the latest advisories. Using public transport options that avoid the affected zone, such as the MRT or certain bus routes, is also recommended.
What's Next?
Video from Bangkok Post
Emergency crews are working around the clock to stabilize the sinkhole and begin repairs on the damaged road and utilities. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of the public and restoring normalcy as quickly as possible. However, given the scale of the collapse, the repairs are expected to take time, and commuters should plan for extended disruptions in the area.
