Industrial spill closes section of Capitol building

WASHINGTON — Officials closed the House side of the U.S. Capitol on Thursday because of an industrial spill.

A hazardous material response team was on site following an incident that began sometime around 2:30 a.m. to 3 a.m., Capitol Police said.

The House Door and South Door were temporarily closed, but the south barricade was open, Capitol Police said. Tours of the Capitol building were temporarily suspended, but tours of the visitor center were not affected.

The Architect of the Capitol released a statement indicating the incident involves possible asbestos exposure.

“During ongoing asbestos abatement work there was a potential release affecting the House side of the Capitol,” the statement read. “Samples have been collected to determine whether there was potential exposure.”