The 10 Biggest Construction Disasters of 2025 | The B1M Roundup

Overview

The B1M rounds up 2025's most notable construction disasters, spanning cities and mega-projects around the world. The video highlights how unforeseen geotechnical issues, design flaws, funding shortfalls, and operational challenges can derail even high-profile schemes, while also celebrating the professionals who work to shape our environments.

From Bangkok’s dramatic sinkhole to the ambitious Line in Neom, the roundup underscores the scale and costs of modern infrastructure deltas and the ongoing quest to build safely and efficiently.

Introduction

2025 proved to be a watershed year for construction, with several high-profile projects facing major setbacks. This article, aligned with The B1M's year-end roundup, synthesizes the ten biggest construction fails of 2025, examining what happened, why it happened, and what it means for future infrastructure.

Bangkok Sinkhole and Purple Line Extension

• A 40 metre deep sinkhole opened while connecting a tunnel to the Vajira Hospital Station on Bangkok's Purple Line extension.
• The sudden collapse occurred after a ceiling rupture, admitting water and causing the tunnel to drop 50 metres.
• The Vajira Hospital, serving tens of thousands yearly, was evacuated with no casualties, and tunneling work paused indefinitely.

Manchester United Stadium and Foster’s Umbrella Concept

• Plans for a 100,000-seat stadium with a sun-harvesting umbrella faced criticism and press scrutiny, leading to a revised, smaller-scale concept after seven months.

Neom Line and Neo Developments

• Saudi Arabia's Line and related Neo developments faced strategic reviews and cost overruns, with Neo projects described as trillions over budget and work halted on several fronts.

Snowy Hydro and Florence TBM

• Snowy 2.0, a major hydroelectric expansion, doubled its budget to nearly $8 billion as Florence TBM got stuck in soft ground, then faced ongoing delays and a nine-month audit.

Chernobyl Drone Attack and Shelter Integrity

• A drone strike damaged the hermetically sealed shelter around reactor 4, causing a fire within the roof; while no immediate danger was declared, long-term stability remained a concern.

Embassy and Security Saga in London

• Britain’s new Chinese embassy project faced planning and security controversies, reflecting broader geopolitical and intelligence concerns.

Hinkley Point C and Marine Acoustic Deterrent

• Hinkley Point C’s cost rises to about £48 billion were accompanied by a controversial £700 million acoustic deterrent intended to protect marine life, drawing media scrutiny over efficacy and cost.

Germany’s Stuttgart 21 and Rail Upgrades

• Stuttgart 21 faced technical and regulatory hurdles, notably track gradient issues and signalling system risks, delaying grand openings set for 2026.

US Rail Projects: California HSR and Hudson Tunnel

• California High-Speed Rail funding faced court battles and political opposition, while the Hudson Tunnel Gateway program encountered funding freeze and project termination debates during a government shutdown.

HS2 in Britain: A Derailed North-South Link

• HS2’s route was trimmed, costs ballooned, and sections deprioritized, illustrating the challenges of delivering large-scale rail networks in a politically charged environment.

Conclusion

The roundup emphasizes the need for robust risk management, realistic budgeting, and resilient design to withstand the pressures of ambitious infrastructure programs. It also foreshadows how the industry may adapt to evolving funding landscapes, governance, and safety expectations.