3m-deep sinkhole appears in Bangkok

A sinkhole appeared at the Kesakamol Bridge in Bangkok, Thailand, causing the road to close.

The sinkhole, which appeared on Oct. 6 at around 9:30pm, measured 5m by 10m, with a depth of 3m, according to Thaiger.

Witnesses said cracks began to appear on the road surface at around 7pm, but vehicles were still able to pass.

By 9pm, the road rapidly sank, creating a large hole.

Cause of collapse

Thai authorities explained that the collapse occurred at a bridge section under construction as part of the Khlong Prem Prachakorn dam project, which is a critical infrastructure project for the city.

The likely cause of the bridge collapse was a broken water pipe under the bridge that washed away the soil beneath and caused it to flow into the canal.

The dam project involves the pouring of concrete to reinforce a 2km canal embankment.

The construction of the dam along the Khlong Prem Prachakorn canal is meant to prevent flooding and improve water management.

The canal runs through several districts in Bangkok.

In response to the road collapsing, a temporary bridge was constructed by covering the hole with steel plates and then applying asphalt to level the road surface.

Top photo via Khasood English