A Metrobus fire on Thursday night filled downtown Washington, D.C., with thick black smoke but caused no structural damage to the Ninth Street Tunnel. Firefighters faced challenges extinguishing the blaze, needing about 900 feet of hose. D.C. Fire Chief John Donnelly reported that while the tunnel’s structure and steel beams are safe, falling tiles and debris were cleared overnight. The tunnel partially reopened Friday evening, but the right lane will remain closed for lighting repairs.
The D.C. Department of Transportation (DDOT) is assessing damage, installing conduit to restore lights in the area, and repairing sections of concrete and asphalt. Metro’s General Manager announced that all 32 hybrid diesel buses are being inspected following the incident. Further work on repairs will continue, but these are not classified as emergency repairs.
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