x
Breaking News
More () »

Control tower at Reagan National Airport evacuated, prompts delays

The evacuation prompted planes to circle while an alarm investigation ensued.

WASHINGTON — A control tower at Ronald Reagan National Airport was evacuated late Wednesday morning, causing brief delays. 

The evacuation of the control tower was prompted after a sprinkler system used to manage fires went off, causing emergency officials at the airport to take action. 

Planes both in the sky and on the tarmac waited for the control tower to resume operations after a brief delay from the evacuation. 

According to fire and rescue personnel with Reagan, the tower was evacuated within 30 minutes of the original alarm and no present danger existed. 

"They assisted in the safe evacuation of air traffic controllers to an alternate site while the alarm investigation continued," they said.

As of 11:30 a.m, flights and departures resumed back to their normal schedules. People were seen filing back into the control tower.

RELATED: New year, new airport? See the billion-dollar project set to remodel Reagan National

RELATED: Improperly discarded smoking materials started huge Fairfax County fire, causing $48M in damages

RELATED: Cause of massive 4-alarm fire at Alexandria building under construction was 'accidental' officials say

Download the brand new WUSA9 app here. 

Sign up for the Get Up DC newsletter: Your forecast. Your commute. Your news.

Before You Leave, Check This Out