Hazardous materials incident reported at US Pentagon

Firefighters are investigating a hazmat incident at the Pentagon, Arlington County fire and rescue officials said in a post on X.

The building was on lockdown and people were told to leave several floors, CNN reported, citing unidentified sources.

It was stated that emergency response teams wore full gas masks and chemical protection suits.

“The Pentagon has advanced systems in place to ensure the safety of the building and its occupants. These systems detected an air quality issue that requires precautionary measures until we determine its significance,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in an email. he said.

“The department is implementing standard protection protocols, including a shelter-in-place order, for the affected area. Response teams are in place and ready to support residents.”

According to CNN, floors two through five and some corridors were locked.

The five-sided Pentagon building is one of the largest office buildings in the world.