Bangkok: Governor Chadchart revealed the cause of Samsen Road's collapse, causing soil to flow into the BTS station and damaging connections within the tunnel, affecting residential buildings and the Samsen Police Station.
According to Thai News Agency, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittiporn provided updates on the collapse of a massive hole on Samsen Road, measuring 30x30 meters and 20 meters deep, situated in front of Vajira Hospital. The suspected cause is linked to a tunnel connecting to the train station, located 30 meters below the surface. The damage was intensified by a burst water pipe and flooding, necessitating the cessation of water supply to the station as of 9:30 a.m.
The incident has not affected water and electricity supply to the surrounding area, as officials have ensured alternative provisions for the residents. Nevertheless, the vicinity remains hazardous, particularly on the Samsen Police Station side, while the hospital building side remains unaffected due to a protective underground wall.
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) is now tasked with inspecting the construction site, especially the southern section of the Purple Line, to assess potential impacts. Meanwhile, outpatient services at local hospitals remain temporarily closed. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has reacted by installing additional CCTV cameras and laser motion detectors around the site to monitor the situation closely. A command center has been established, with a meeting scheduled for noon today to further address the incident.