The National Park Service has closed the Washington Monument indefinitely and is now saying the earthquake that hit D.C. in August caused more damage to it than previously thought.

The worst damage to the monument is at the top where the Park Service says there are cracks over 11 inches wide. A substantial amount of rainfall has gotten into the interior since the August quake causing even more damage.

Engineers are currently inspecting the exterior block by block. During this inspection, engineers will use small hammers to tap each block to test it's density. The inspection is expected to take 5 days.

 

The National Park Service released this video taken from a security camera showing tourists fleeing as debris falls inside the monument during the 5.8 magnitude earthquake.

 

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