Shanghai Metro works site sealed after sinkhole opens at Qixin Road

A large sinkhole opened on the morning of 12 February 2026 at the junction of Qixin Road and Li’an Road in Shanghai’s Minhang District, swallowing part of the roadway near an active metro construction site. The collapse occurred one day after a water leak was reported during shield tunnelling works for the new Jiamin Metro Line near Qixin Road Station.

According to statements cited in local and international media, seepage was identified on 11 February during excavation works. The state-owned company overseeing the project, issued an emergency notice that evening confirming local seepage and activation of response procedures. Despite efforts to plug the leak, the ground gave way the following day.

Video footage circulating on social media shows fractures propagating across the asphalt before the surface buckled and collapsed, forming a wide cavity that rapidly filled with water. Authorities confirmed there were no casualties.

The affected intersection was immediately closed to traffic and pedestrians. Nearby office buildings and residential complexes were temporarily evacuated as a precaution, and one local hospital suspended services pending safety clearance.

Construction crews began stabilisation works, including pumping out water and filling the void with concrete. The site has been fully cordoned off while investigations continue.

Qixin Road Station forms part of the 44 km Jiamin Metro Line, which began construction in mid-2021 and is scheduled for completion in 2027. Officials have stated that a formal investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the collapse.

More footage is shown in the following video. The relevant section is from 1:06 min to 1:29 min.