A flash fire broke out at the US State Department’s headquarters here, injuring four construction workers, one of whom received “life-threatening” wounds.

The incident took place yesterday around 11 a.m. local time, according to the State Department.

One of the four construction workers injured in the incident was in serious condition at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, D.C. fire spokesman Lon Walls was quoted as saying by the Washington Post.

Two more of the injured workers were transported to the hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries, Walls said.

The fourth worker sustained injuries after falling off a ladder.

Walls said the fire, which “appears to be accidental, is still under investigation.

The workers were repairing air ducts in the building when the fire broke out. The blaze was put out by the workers before firefighters arrived, Walls said.

State department personnel were temporarily relocated but the main building was quickly reopened.

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