Barrier Strikes Car On Capitol Hill

A retractable police traffic barrier accidentally popped up from the pavement on Constitution Avenue Friday afternoon and struck an oncoming car.

The driver of a gray minivan with Virginia plates was heading east on Constitution Avenue crossing First Street N.W. when the barrier, which is usually used only in high security situations, malfunctioned and blocked the lane, said Capitol Police spokeswoman Sgt. Kimberly Schneider.

The driver was being transported to a hospital but did not apparently face life-threatening injuries, she said.

It was unclear what had caused the malfunction or whether other barriers on Capitol Hill could be susceptible to similar malfunctions.

"We're taking some precautions, looking at other mechanical barriers on the hill," Schneider said.