Eiffel tower evacuated after bomb threat

PARIS: The Eiffel Tower experienced a security scare on Saturday as the iconic landmark was evacuated for nearly two hours due to a bomb threat.

The incident prompted the swift response of police bomb disposal experts, as confirmed by the monument’s operating company and Paris police.

A spokeswoman for the SETE, the company that manages the Eiffel Tower, stated that both police and the bomb squad were present on-site to address the threat. While emphasizing that such situations are rare, she underscored that the evacuation was a standard procedure undertaken in such circumstances.

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According to Euronews, the evacuation encompassed all three floors of the tower, including its renowned restaurant, as well as the forecourt area. In response, a substantial security perimeter was established, traffic was rerouted, and the evacuation commenced at 12:15PM. The situation returned to normalcy around 3:30PM, leading to the reopening of the Eiffel Tower to the public.

This incident marks the second bomb scare involving the Eiffel Tower in recent times. In September 2020, the landmark was evacuated for two hours following an anonymous call to the police, during which a man had made concerning statements.

Despite such security concerns, the Eiffel Tower continues to be a popular tourist destination, welcoming over 5.8 million visitors in 2022, highlighting its significance as one of Paris’ most iconic symbols.

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