Washington Monument closed again after elevator problems

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Washington Monument has closed again following problems with its elevator.

National Park Service spokesman Mike Litterst said in a statement that the service interruption happened late Wednesday morning. He said one employee was on board but no visitors. The statement says 84 visitors walked down the stairs without incident.

The spokesman said the elevator's compensating cable broke loose from the car, causing it to stop between the 490-foot and 500-foot levels.

Litterst says the monument will remain closed on Thursday while repairs are made.

The monument closed over the weekend after a voltage drop of incoming power to the monument. The monument closed early Saturday night and all day on Sunday but re-opened Monday.

The monument was closed for nearly a week in July because of elevator problems.