- The Washington Times - Thursday, March 17, 2016

Crews were responding Thursday morning after a reported chemical explosion rocked the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C.

No animals, visitors or staff were reported to be injured in the incidents zoo officials said, a local ABC affiliate reported.

D.C. Fire and EMS hazmat units were called to the zoo shortly before 11:20 a.m. Thursday for a report of an explosion in a building along the American Trail, according to a local NBC affiliate.



The American Trail section of the zoo opened in September 2012 after a $42 million renovation of the zoo’s lower valley. The trail houses beavers, seals, sea lions, bald eagles and other animals native to North America.

 

• Kellan Howell can be reached at khowell@washingtontimes.com.

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