A massive sinkhole suddenly opened on a busy roadway in Shanghai, swallowing sections of pavement and temporary structures, but fortunately resulting in no casualties. The incident, which occurred on Qixin Road in the city’s southwest, has prompted evacuations and raised concerns about urban infrastructure safety.
The sinkhole emerged on February 11, 2026, with security camera footage capturing the dramatic collapse as cracks rapidly expanded in the tarmac. Vehicles, motorcycles, and streetlamps were seen falling into the growing void, while pedestrians initially remained calm before scattering as the ground continued to give way. The scale of the sinkhole was substantial, estimated to be 10-20 meters wide, causing significant damage to the road and nearby areas.
According to reports, the collapse is linked to ongoing construction for the Jiamin Metro Line, specifically at the Qixin Road Station site. Workers had previously noted water leaks in the area, which weakened the soft, alluvial soil characteristic of Shanghai’s Yangtze delta geology. Despite efforts to plug the leaks, the ground ultimately failed, leading to the sinkhole’s formation.
Emergency crews from the China Railway Tunnel Bureau quickly responded to stabilize the site. They cordoned off the affected area, halted traffic, and deployed measures to manage flooding from the water leakage. Nearby office buildings and residential complexes were evacuated as a precaution, and the Moore Dental Hospital, located less than 100 meters away, suspended operations.
No injuries or fatalities have been reported, which authorities attribute to the swift evacuation and safety protocols. However, the incident has caused disruptions, with sections of Qixin Road and Li’an Road closed indefinitely. The sinkhole swallowed temporary structures, traffic lights, and safety fencing at the construction site.
The Jiamin Metro Line project, a 44-kilometer north-south corridor valued at 37.1 billion yuan ($5.3 billion), has now faced further delays. Originally scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, the timeline has been pushed to 2028 due to this and previous incidents, such as a crane accident in December 2024.
Shanghai’s geology, composed of loose, soft alluvial soils, makes it prone to such sinkholes, especially with extensive underground construction. This event highlights the challenges of building in delta regions and underscores the need for rigorous monitoring and engineering practices to prevent similar occurrences.
Moving forward, investigations are underway to determine the exact cause and assess the damage. Authorities are focusing on repair efforts and reviewing safety measures for ongoing projects. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of infrastructure resilience in rapidly developing urban centers like Shanghai.
