Explosion Reported at National Zoo
Fire officials are investigating reports of an explosion at the National Zoo.
Zoo spokeswoman Pamela Baker-Masson says a contractor working in a mechanical area next to the beaver and otter exhibits, smelled chlorine and left the area. The worker then heard a loud bang. Chlorine is kept in that area for water filtration.
Officials say crews responded to initial reports of a chlorine explosion. The fire department is trying to determine the cause of the blast.
An alarm was sounding and the smell of chlorine lingered in the air near a roped-off area along the American Trail on Thursday afternoon.
No people or animals were injured.
