Thursday afternoon a small electrical fire erupted on the underground trolley connecting the Rayburn House Office Building and the U.S. Capitol. Fire crews extinguished the blaze and two U.S. Capitol Police officers were taken to a hospital for evaluation; no passengers were injured. Smoke was cleared by 6:25 p.m., and a temporary closure of Independence Avenue was later lifted. Authorities say the cause is under investigation.
Small Electrical Fire in U.S. Capitol Trolley Sends Two Officers to Hospital for Evaluation
Thursday afternoon a small electrical fire erupted on the underground trolley connecting the Rayburn House Office Building and the U.S. Capitol. Fire crews extinguished the blaze and two U.S. Capitol Police officers were taken to a hospital for evaluation; no passengers were injured. Smoke was cleared by 6:25 p.m., and a temporary closure of Independence Avenue was later lifted. Authorities say the cause is under investigation.
05:18 AM, 11/21/2025Security
A small electrical fire broke out Thursday afternoon on the underground trolley that links the Rayburn House Office Building and the U.S. Capitol. D.C. Fire and EMS crews responded to reports of smoke coming from atop the trolley and quickly extinguished the blaze.
Officials provide updates
Fire officials confirmed that two U.S. Capitol Police officers were taken to a hospital for evaluation. Officials said no trolley passengers were injured. It was reported that it was unclear who—if anyone else—was in the vehicle at the time of the incident.
By 6:25 p.m. local time, crews had cleared all smoke and were securing the scene. The Metropolitan Police Department temporarily closed Independence Avenue in both directions between Washington Avenue SW and Second Street SE; that section was later reopened.
Investigation and context
The cause of the electrical fire has not been released, and authorities continue to investigate. The U.S. Capitol subway system comprises three lines used to transport members of Congress, their staff and official guests; it is operated and maintained by the Architect of the Capitol.
Note: This is a developing story. Further details will be provided as they become available.