The Pentagon has suddenly been locked down and evacuated amid an incident. Hazmat crews were dispatched to the Pentagon after a hazardous materials incident occurred hours ahead of the World Cup kickoff.

Multiple floors and corridors have been cleared, while access to other areas was restricted. Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell told The Express that an air quality issue inside the headquarters of the United States Department of Defence has been detected. He added that a "shelter-in-place order has been issued for the affected areas of the building".

Mr Parnell said: "The Pentagon has sophisticated systems to ensure the safety of the building and its occupants. Those systems have detected an air quality issue necessitating precautionary measures until we determine its significance.

"The Department is executing standard protection protocols, including a shelter-in-place order for the affected area. Response teams are in place and ready to support building occupants."

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