The Eiffel Tower, one of the most iconic structures in the world and a frequent destination for tourists, was evacuated on Saturday due to a bomb threat.
The evacuation lasted several hours while police and bomb disposal experts scoured the area.
The Eiffel Tower has been evacuated due to a bomb threat. #Francia #EiffelTower #Paris #France https://t.co/MLOt9c5kF4 pic.twitter.com/IaLxidP2ZX
— Agencia AJN (@AgenciaAJN) August 12, 2023
Three floors of the tower were evacuated along with the square beneath it. Traffic was diverted away from the area as well.
A spokeswoman for the tower told reporters that this kind of situation is rare but standard procedure.
PARIS
Eiffel Tower evacuated due to BOMB threat pic.twitter.com/gioNTqGEzd
— Catholic Arena (@CatholicArena) August 12, 2023
It’s astonishing that such an incident could happen at such a popular location—nearly seven million people visit annually from all over the globe.
After authorities determined it was safe, traffic returned to normal and visitors were allowed back into view its breathtaking views.
Security has always been tight around this monument—a police station is located at its base with video surveillance present everywhere.
Before entry, visitors must go through security checks to ensure their safety as well as those around them.
Despite these precautions, someone attempted to disrupt peace and put visitors’ lives in danger by making a bomb threat against this treasured landmark—details about who or why have not yet been released by officials.
This event shows how even high-security locations can be targeted by malicious individuals or groups intent on causing chaos and destruction.
