The U.S. Department of Defense building has reopened as usual after a partial lockdown was implemented to address a hazardous material concern. However, later inspections confirmed no toxic substances were found.
Foreign news agencies reported that the Pentagon resumed normal operations after previously being partially locked down due to a detected "air quality issue," which prompted an urgent response from a hazardous materials (Hazmat) team to inspect the area.
Sean Parnell, Pentagon spokesperson, stated that the building's systems detected "an air quality trend on Thursday morning, prompting immediate safety measures and situational assessment as a precaution."
"Subsequent testing confirmed there was no danger, and the building has now returned to normal operations," Parnell added.
U.S. media reported that during the incident, police officers inside the building wore gas masks and full chemical protective suits.
The Pentagon's response operation was supported by Arlington Fire and Emergency Medical Services, which posted on social media that they were managing a hazardous material incident at the Pentagon building.
CBS News reported that shortly before 11:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), the Pentagon Security Office sent an email alerting building personnel to shelter in place at four corridor balcony locations between the 2nd and 5th floors.
CBS News also noted that the email instructed staff to strictly follow orders and switch from in-person meetings to virtual meetings instead.
"We sincerely thank all first responders and Hazmat teams for their swift action to ensure the safety of all personnel," Parnell said in an updated statement issued around 1:30 p.m. EDT.
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Source:bbc