Shanghai, China – February 13, 2026: A massive sinkhole suddenly opened up on a busy road in the Minhang District of Shanghai, creating a deep crater that swallowed pavement, temporary structures, and disrupted traffic near a major construction site.
Dramatic security camera footage circulating on social media shows cracks spreading across the tarmac before a large section of the street collapsed within seconds.
The collapse occurred at the intersection of Qixin Road and Li’an Road, a bustling junction undergoing extensive underground work related to the Jiamin Metro Line project.
Local authorities have confirmed there were no injuries or fatalities, and the area has been evacuated while safety assessments continue.
Shocking Moment of Collapse
Scrollable video clips from CCTV and bystander footage show vehicles and construction equipment near the site narrowly escaping the rapidly forming this Shanghai sinkhole.
Dust and debris billowed into the air as the ground beneath the road gave way. Workers and pedestrians can be seen running to safety seconds before the collapse.
Officials said the sinkhole likely began forming late Wednesday, February 11, 2026, and was first discovered after nearby workers reported a water leak during excavation for the subway station beneath Qixin Road. The collapse was confirmed the following day.
Cause under Investigation
Preliminary findings from municipal engineers point to a breach in underground water infrastructure at the construction site that may have washed away supporting soil under the pavement, a process known as subsidence.
Experts stress that soft alluvial soils, groundwater movement, and extensive urban construction can increase the risk of such ground failure.
Authorities have said they will conduct in-depth geotechnical surveys, including underground scanning and stability tests, before reopening the road or nearby sections to the public.
Officials are also examining whether additional safety measures are needed in other parts of the Jiamin Metro Line construction corridor.
Traffic Disruptions and Safety Orders
The intersection and surrounding roads remain closed while emergency crews work to secure the site and prevent further collapses.
Traffic authorities have rerouted vehicles and issued warnings for residents and commuters to avoid the area until the ground is declared safe.
Though there were no immediate reports of structural damage to adjacent buildings, teams have evacuated nearby offices and residential complexes to ensure public safety as investigations continue.
What Experts Are Saying
Geotechnical specialists interviewed on the incident explained that sinkholes in built environments can form rapidly when the soil is eroded by flowing water, especially during deep excavations or in watersaturated soils.
Urban planners note that cracking, burst pipes, heavy construction, or groundwater management failures are common triggers.
These risks are elevated in areas like Shanghai where extensive underground utility networks, subway tunnels, and soft soils coexist beneath dense city streets.
Previous minor collapses have been reported in different parts of the city during major infrastructure development.
Local Reaction and Social Media Response
On social media platforms, posts and videos of the Shanghai sinkhole have gone viral, drawing public concern about infrastructure safety.
Many commenters expressed shock at the speed of the collapse, while engineers and urban safety advocates highlighted the need for enhanced monitoring during large-scale construction projects.
Broader Urban Planning Implications
City planners and civil engineers are watching the incident closely for lessons on how to prevent similar ground failures.
Experts recommend continuous ground monitoring, advanced drainage systems, and rigorous inspections around excavation zones to reduce the risk of sudden subsidence in major cities like Shanghai.
Latest Official Updates
Officials say full engineering reports should be released once assessments are complete, likely within the coming days.
Any updates on repair timelines, construction delays, or additional safety protocols will be announced through the Shanghai Municipal Construction Authority and local media.
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