Visitors to the Eiffel Tower were evacuated after a fire broke out in one of the landmark’s elevator shafts between the first and second floors. Around 1,200 people were safely removed from the site as firefighters brought the situation under control. Initial reports suggest the fire was caused by an overheated cable, which was quickly extinguished. No injuries were reported.
The evacuation follows other recent incidents at the iconic Parisian site, which has seen evacuations this year due to unrelated security concerns. The fire has drawn comparisons to the devastating 2019 Notre Dame Cathedral blaze, though this incident was far less severe.
Opened in 1889, the Eiffel Tower remains one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks and a significant tourist attraction. Millions of visitors flock to the site annually, making safety incidents like this one particularly concerning for authorities.
Officials have reassured the public that the tower is now safe, and operations are expected to resume shortly. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining historical landmarks amidst modern technical demands.
