Approximately 1,200 people have been evacuated from the Eiffel Tower on Tuesday after a fire erupted at the iconic Paris landmark.
French authorities confirmed the flames originated in the elevator shaft between the first and second floors of the structure, per Newsweek.
Social media users described the unfolding scene, with one person posting on X (formerly Twitter): “A fire is currently raging at the Eiffel Tower.
The monument has just been evacuated. An emergency response company has established a perimeter, but firefighters are unable to access the flames.”
Another witness wrote: “A fire is in progress at the Eiffel Tower. Flames were observed in the elevator shaft between the 1st and 2nd floors. All people in the vicinity have been evacuated. The firefighters are still working.”
Authorities believe the fire began due to an overheating device near an elevator cable, Boulevard Voltaire reported, citing police sources. Despite challenges accessing the blaze, firefighters managed to bring the situation under control, according to The Mirror.
Julien Tellier, a journalist for Boulevard Voltaire, stated: “Around 1,200 people were evacuated. The firefighters have reportedly identified the origin of the flames as overheating of a cable. The fire has been brought under control and is now out.”
The Eiffel Tower, one of the most recognized structures in the world, sees between 15,000 and 25,000 visitors daily, according to statistics from RoadGenius.
The incident evokes memories of the devastating fire that engulfed Paris’s Notre Dame Cathedral in April 2019.
That blaze burned for nearly 15 hours, collapsing the cathedral’s spire and severely damaging its roof. French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to restore the historic landmark, stating at the time: “We will rebuild the cathedral even more beautifully and I want it to be finished within five years. And we can do it.”
Notre Dame reopened this year, with world leaders, royals, and dignitaries, including president-elect Donald Trump, attending a December ceremony celebrating its restoration.
Despite the scale of the evacuation at the Eiffel Tower, no injuries have been reported.
Authorities are expected to continue their investigation into the cause of the fire to prevent future incidents.
Princess Cruises passenger dies after ‘attempting to jump overboard’
A Princess Cruises passenger has died after allegedly attempting to jump overboard.
On Saturday, a 48-year-old woman tragically passed away after she tried to dive overboard but instead crashed onto the lower deck, according to the New York Post.
The cruise was en route back to the state of Florida following an eight-day trip in the Caribbean when the incident occurred.
In a statement to Cruise Radio, the cruise line confirmed the tragic news.
“Princess Cruises is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of a 48-year-old American female guest who attempted to jump overboard earlier today aboard Sky Princess,” they said. “The guest fell to a lower deck, where she was promptly rescued.
“Shipboard personnel immediately provided emergency medical care, but despite their best efforts, she could not be revived.”
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the guest’s family and friends during this profoundly difficult time. Grief support services are being offered to guests and crew members affected by this event,” the statement added.
The passenger’s identity has not yet been revealed, but it was said that she was traveling alongside her family.
Witnesses took to social media to discuss the accident after it happened, with one person even posting the captain’s follow-up announcement over the intercom, which stated: “We understand that this event may be distressing for many of you” – before adding details about what took place that evening.
Others also took to Reddit, where witnesses recalled what they had seen.
“My husband and I were on the ship. We were in our Cabin when the Captain made the announcement. What a terrible tragedy. My heart goes out to the family of this person. You just never know what is happening in people’s lives. So sad,” wrote one person while another added: “My mom and cousin watched the whole thing. They were directly below us two floors down. Nobody ever came to question them. They are very traumatized by it.”
Someone claiming to be the victim’s cousin also commented in the thread writing: “I wasn’t on the ship but she was my cousin. I just want to say I appreciate everyone’s thoughts and concerns, and overall sensitivity to what happened. I won’t go into detail as it is a very personal situation, but I will say she was really looking forward to this cruise as it was especially important for her mother.
“Thank you all again for being so kind and understanding, my aunt would also really appreciate that,” they added.
Princess Cruises is said to be fully cooperating with local and federal authorities as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, per the outlet.
Our thoughts are with the victim and their loved ones during this difficult time.
