PARIS: The iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris was temporarily evacuated on Saturday following a bomb threat, but authorities confirmed it was a false alarm and allowed visitors to re-enter the monument a couple of hours later, according to a French police source.
The Eiffel Tower, which typically hosts an average of 20,000 to 25,000 visitors daily, was cleared as a precautionary measure after the threat was reported. The incident prompted a thorough search of the area by bomb disposal experts and law enforcement personnel.
SETE, the organization responsible for managing the Eiffel Tower, stated that the evacuation procedure, although rare, was conducted in line with standard protocols. The search covered all three floors of the tower and the surrounding vicinity, including a restaurant situated on one of the levels.
The evacuation occurred shortly after 1:30 pm (1130 GMT), and visitors were promptly cleared from both the tower’s interior and the square beneath it.
History of Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower, a masterpiece designed by French engineer Gustave Eiffel, was constructed as the entrance arch for the 1889 World’s Fair, commemorating the centenary of the French Revolution. Standing at a remarkable height of 324 meters (1,063 feet), the tower was once the tallest man-made structure globally until the completion of the Chrysler Building in New York City in 1930.
The tower is a prominent symbol of Paris and offers panoramic views of the city from its three accessible levels. Despite encountering initial criticism during its construction, the Eiffel Tower has evolved into one of the world’s most visited tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually.
