A small electrical fire erupted in the U.S. Capitol’s underground trolley system on Thursday, November 20, 2025, sending two police officers to the hospital and prompting an emergency response that included temporary road closures around the Capitol complex. The incident occurred in the tunnel connecting the Capitol to the Rayburn House Office Building, a vital transit route used daily by lawmakers, staff, and visitors.
According to the DC Fire and EMS Department, crews were dispatched on Thursday afternoon after reports of a fire on top of a trolley car that was in motion between the Rayburn building and the Capitol. The blaze, described as a small electrical fire, was quickly extinguished by firefighters, but smoke initially filled the tunnel, requiring evacuation and safety protocols. Authorities confirmed that the fire was contained to the exterior of the vehicle, minimizing damage to the trolley itself.
Two U.S. Capitol Police officers who were on the scene were transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation. Their injuries were reported as non-life-threatening, and they are expected to recover fully. No passengers aboard the trolley sustained any harm, as the fire was isolated from the interior, ensuring the safety of those traveling through the system at the time.
In response to the incident, Independence Avenue between Washington Avenue SW and Second Street SE was temporarily closed to facilitate emergency operations. The roadway was reopened by 6:25 PM EST after the smoke had cleared and the area was secured. This brief closure caused minor disruptions but did not significantly impact congressional activities or public access to the Capitol grounds.
The Capitol subway system, operated by the Architect of the Capitol, consists of three underground lines that shuttle personnel between key government buildings. The Rayburn line, where the fire occurred, has been in service since the 1960s and is a critical infrastructure component for the efficient functioning of Congress, highlighting the importance of its reliability and safety.
An investigation into the cause of the electrical malfunction is currently underway, with officials from multiple agencies examining the trolley and related infrastructure. Preliminary assessments suggest an isolated issue, but a thorough review is expected to identify any underlying problems and prevent future occurrences. The focus is on ensuring that such incidents do not compromise the security or operations of the Capitol complex.
This event underscores the vulnerabilities in aging government infrastructure and may lead to enhanced maintenance and safety protocols. While the immediate impact was limited, it serves as a reminder of the need for regular inspections and updates to critical systems. Congress is likely to monitor the investigation’s findings closely to implement any necessary improvements and maintain public confidence in the safety of federal facilities.
