An electrical fire broke out in the Rayburn subway tunnel that runs between the Rayburn House Office Building and the US Capitol.
The incident reportedly left two people injured, as confirmed by the DC Fire and EMS, who shared that both victims were rushed to the hospital in time to avoid maximum damage and are now being treated. Both of them were identified as US Capitol Police officers.
The underground trolley line is said to be one of the three that operate beneath the US Capitol and is used by members of Congress and their staff.
The other trolley lines run beneath the Russell and Dirkson Senate Office Buildings. A video was recently shared on social media that showed several stationary trolleys and smoke in the tunnel. Another post showed several emergency vehicles in front of the House steps as a response to the fire.
Responders worked fast to clear the smoke, and they closed Independence Avenue and also asked people at Capitol Plaza to clear the area. They soon began to assure the public that there was no smoke and no major hazard present at the time.
The traffic was opened just before 6 pm on Independence Avenue.