PARIS: The blades of the iconic Moulin Rouge windmill, a beloved landmark in Paris, collapsed during the night, as confirmed by firefighters on Thursday, just months before the city is set to host the Olympics.
Paris firefighters assured that there was no risk of further collapse following the incident. The exact cause of collapse remains unknown.
“Fortunately, this occurred after closing hours,” said a Moulin Rouge official who requested anonymity.
The official added that the cabaret’s technical teams conduct weekly checks on the windmill mechanism and had not detected any issues prior to the collapse. Details surrounding the cause of the incident are currently scarce.
“It’s the first time an accident like this has occurred since” the cabaret first opened its doors on October 6, 1889, the source emphasized.
Images circulating on social media depicted the blade unit lying on the street below, with some of the blades appearing slightly bent from the fall.
The Moulin Rouge cabaret, characterized by its distinctive red windmill blades, is situated in northern Paris and remains one of the city’s most popular attractions.
Recognized as the birthplace of the modern can-can dance, the Moulin Rouge debuted at the foot of Montmartre hill in October 1889, quickly becoming a sensation among visitors.
The incident raises concerns about Paris’s readiness to accommodate the influx of visitors expected during the Olympic Games in July-August.
The landmark has previously endured a significant fire in 1915 during renovation works, which necessitated a nine-year closure.
