Earthquake closes Washington Monument (VIDEO)

White Center : WA : USA | Sep 27, 2011 at 1:28 PM PDT

By Mary1

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National Mall Superintendent Bob Vogel declared that the worst damage happened to the pyramid-shaped top of the structure, while cracks up to 1.25 inches wide were found in the mortar and stone.

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 The Washington Monument is being closed indefinitely because it sustained more damage than previously known when a 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck the area last month.In addition to cracks in the stone blocks and damage to mortar, the monument's elevator was damaged and can only ascend about half-way up the structure, The Washington Post reported. The National Park Service released a security video that shows the structure shaking, debris falling, and visitors rushing to safety. No one was hurt in the incident. A team of engineers will now conduct a block-by-block inspection of the exterior by rappelling down the side of the monument, the Post reported.

Mary1 is based in Suceava, Suceava, Romania, and is a Stringer for Allvoices.

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A rare 5.8 earthquake cracked ...

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A rare 5.8 earthquake cracked the famed Washington Monument
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The Washington Monument is seen behind the White House
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A helicopter flies closely to ...

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A helicopter flies closely to the Washington Monument