Eiffel Tower evacuated after short circuit triggers high alert

The Eiffel Tower in Paris was evacuated on Tuesday morning following reports of a potential fire in one of its sections. The incident occurred in the section between the second floor and the summit, triggering the fire alarm at 10:50 am (local time), Independent reported.

Emergency response teams were dispatched to the location following concerns about a possible fire at the renowned French monument.

Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE) confirmed that the evacuation was executed "in accordance with current safety procedures".


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The issue was later identified as a short circuit on an elevator power rail, the SETE said.

According to the Euro News, around 1,200 tourists were evacuated from the Eiffel Tower.

A spokesperson stated that "No visitors were put in danger" and confirmed that firefighters and technical staff are "conducting investigations to identify the origin of this incident".

The structure is currently undergoing various maintenance activities, including paint work, North pillar lift renovation, and upgrades to the lifts connecting the second floor to the summit.

The Eiffel Tower has experienced one major fire in the past. The January 1956 blaze in its TV control room caused significant damage to its top section. The repairs took a year, and then the current radio antenna was added to its pinnacle.

(With TOI inputs)