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Washington, DC fire: Smoke seen in downtown amid reports of Metro bus fire inside Ninth Street Tunnel; watch videos
Large plumes of smoke rose over downtown Washington, D.C. on Thursday as authorities responded to reports of a Metro bus fire inside the Ninth Street Tunnel.
Update: A Metro bus burst into flames inside the District’s 9th Street tunnel in Washington, D.C., on Thursday evening.
DC Fire and EMS first reported the fire just before 7 p.m., and crews quickly responded to the scene and brought the blaze under control.
Authorities shut down traffic in the area and urged drivers to avoid the tunnel. The southbound lanes were closed as firefighters worked to extinguish the fire.
DC Fire and EMS confirmed that everyone inside the tunnel when the bus caught fire was safely evacuated, and no injuries have been reported. DC Metro also said there were no passengers on board at the time of the incident.
In a post on X, DC Fire and EMS Department wrote, "Update on fully involved bus 9th St tunnel. Attacking fire with foam unit. Water supply has been established. No initial report of injuries. Civilians and vehicles that were in tunnel have been evacuated."
In a follow-up update, the department added, "Update on bus fire 9th St tunnel. Fire extinguished other than hotspots. Media staging is now at 9th & Constitution Ave NW south side of the street."
Initial report: Thick plumes of smoke billowed over downtown Washington, D.C., on Thursday after a Metro bus caught fire inside the Ninth Street Tunnel. The incident triggered a major response from DC Fire and EMS, forcing traffic closures across the area.
Authorities respond
DC Police Department urged people to avoid Ninth Street Tunnel.
"AVOID the 9th Street Tunnel. The tunnel is closed southbound as DC Fire and EMS actively works a large vehicle fire," the department wrote on X.
DC Fire and EMS Department added, "Bus fire 9th Street tunnel NW. Bus well involved. Request foam unit task force, additional truck and rescue squad. Working to establish a water supply."
Visuals emerge
Dramatic videos of the blaze quickly spread online.
Also Read: firey
Witness reports
Several witnesses and local residents took to social media to report the blaze.
One person wrote, "Crazy afternoon/evening in DC being capped off with a bus fire that has smoke blowing by the Capitol."
Another added, "Bus fire near national mall coming from 9th Street tunnel apparently. Praying everyone is ok!"
A third resident reported, "Bus fire in Washington, D.C. Thick black smoke pouring into the sky near 9th & C Streets, right by Capitol Hill. Multiple angles showing heavy plumes of smoke from the burning bus."
