BANGKOK, Thailand – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has announced urgent repairs to the Kasetkomon Bridge on Nakhon Chaisri Road in Dusit District, where a large sinkhole, 3 meters deep, appeared due to structural issues, October 7. Despite the severity of the collapse, officials have assured the public that nearby residential areas remain unaffected, with repairs expected to be completed by October 11.
The incident occurred around 9:30 PM on October 6, when a portion of the road at the Kasetkomon intersection suddenly caved in, creating a hole approximately 10 meters wide and 5 meters long. Earlier, around 7:00 PM, cracks began to form on the road surface, but vehicles could still pass. By 9:00 PM, the situation rapidly worsened, resulting in the road collapse and immediate closure of the bridge to traffic.
Mr. Nipon Sriruang, Director of the Canal Systems Division, Drainage Department of BMA, explained that the sinkhole formed at the bridge’s approach, which was undergoing concrete foundation work as part of the Klong Prem Prachakorn floodwall construction project. The likely cause was a broken water pipe beneath the bridge, which allowed water to erode the soil under the structure, leading to the collapse.
Deputy Director of the Drainage Department, Mr. Chatchaya Khamchan, and Mr. Nipon inspected the site. They confirmed that the bridge will remain closed until repairs are completed by October 11. They urged the public to avoid the area during this time, emphasizing that the damage was localized to the bridge’s structure and will not affect nearby homes.
The collapse is attributed to the ongoing construction of the floodwall along Klong Prem Prachakorn, stretching from Wat Pracharabuetham to Klong Samsen. The floodwall project involves reinforcing canal beds under 17 bridges, with Kasetkomon Bridge being the final one. Its older, taller structure faced greater soil pressure compared to the other bridges, contributing to the collapse. The broken water pipe exacerbated the situation, causing soil erosion and creating the large sinkhole.
Repairs are currently focused on stabilizing the bridge’s structure and resurfacing the road. Traffic has been diverted to alternative routes, with drivers using Amnuaysongkram Road advised to turn right at Phichai intersection to enter Pichai Road, then Nakhon Chaisri Road, and finally Rama V Road.
The BMA is working to complete repairs swiftly to minimize disruption, with the bridge expected to reopen by October 11. (TNA)
