Earthquake closes Washington Monument

The Washington Monument has been closed indefinitely, whilst repair work is carried out following last month’s earthquake. Visitors will not be able to go up the iconic tourist attraction dedicated to America’s first president, George Washington.

Structural engineers are assessing the damage on both the inside and outside of the building. It is unknown how long the site will be closed while work is undertaken to make it safe for the public.

On August 23, a 5.8 magnitude quake shook the obelisk, causing dozens of pieces of stone to fall inside it. The monument’s elevator was also damaged, although authorities say that has now been fixed.

Completed in 1884 and standing at almost 170 metres, the Monument is the tallest structure in Washington, the world’s tallest obelisk and the world’s tallest building made of stone. The building attracts more than 800,000 visitors a year.

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