BANGKOK: A section of Rama II Road inbound to Bangkok collapsed on Saturday (Jan 17), sending a pickup truck into a deep sinkhole and triggering severe traffic congestion in both directions.
An urgent incident caused alarm among motorists early on Jan 17, when a section of Rama II Road on the inbound carriageway to Bangkok collapsed in Samut Sakhon.
At around 6.30am, the Facebook page Samut Sakhon Press reported a sudden road collapse on the parallel lane of Rama II Road, near the Big Song shopping centre, creating a large and deep sinkhole roughly the width of a vehicle.
A pickup truck driving through the area at the time plunged into the hole, with its front end dropping sharply downwards. The incident shocked witnesses, though initial reports indicate the vehicle was badly damaged.
Authorities from relevant agencies rushed to the scene to inspect the area. Traffic in the affected section was immediately closed, and water valves were shut off amid concerns that a burst underground water pipe may have caused the subsidence.
Traffic situation
- Inbound traffic to Bangkok: Severe congestion due to the loss of a parallel traffic lane
- Outbound traffic: Slow-moving, as motorists reduced speed to observe the incident
Officials are coordinating with tow trucks and heavy machinery to recover the pickup truck from the sinkhole.
Travel advice
Motorists travelling from Samut Sakhon into Bangkok this morning are advised to avoid Rama II Road near Big Song. Alternative routes include Phetkasem Road or Ekkachai Road to ease congestion and minimise delays.
Authorities remain on site as investigations and repair work continue. - The Nation/ANN
