Road cave-in causes major traffic disruptions

Screenshot from a video showing traffic on Binhai Thoroughfare impacted by the cave-in this morning. Photo from WeChat account "奥一新闻"

A road cave-in occurred this morning on Binhai Thoroughfare, severely affecting traffic from Nanshan to Futian. Videos posted on social media showed the collapse, leaving only one lane open for vehicles.

A localized road cave-in measuring 6 by 8 meters and 2 meters deep occurred at 7:30 a.m. outside the tunnel near Shenwan Fifth Road on the eastbound section of Binhai Thoroughfare, according to the Shenzhen Metro Group. No casualties or vehicle damage were reported, and nearby structures were unaffected.

An aerial view of the collapased section on Binhai Thoroughfare. Photo from WeChat account ”深圳大件事"

Dai Sihua, Safety Director of Shenzhen Metro Group, explained that the cave-in occurred during tunneling work for the Guangzhou-Dongguan-Shenzhen Intercity Railway. The geological conditions in the area were particularly challenging, with a soft upper layer and hard lower layer. 

At 7 p.m. yesterday, two lanes of Binhai Thoroughfare were closed to perform grouting and reinforcement. By 7:30 a.m. this morning, 3.2 tons of cement had been injected. However, a localized cave-in occurred at 7:30 a.m. during the emergency response. 

Screenshot of social media posts reporting the cave-in.

At 8:13 a.m. this morning, Shenzhen Traffic Police issued a morning rush-hour report, noting heavy traffic on the eastbound section of Binhai Thoroughfare near Shenwan Fifth Road due to ongoing lane construction. 

Social media users also reported severe congestion in the Binhai Thoroughfare tunnel, where a cave-in occurred just outside the tunnel. Of the four lanes, only the leftmost lane remained open.

By 9 a.m., aerial footage from local reporters showed significant traffic buildup. The damaged road surface was being repaired, and construction crews were actively working to fill the collapsed area, which was cordoned off.

To ease traffic congestion, police are directing vehicles around the site, and repair work is ongoing. Authorities aim to reopen the road before the evening rush hour today.