France: Eiffel Tower evacuated after false bomb threat
Explosive ordnance disposal experts and French police were called to the scene and evacuated three floors and the plaza below the well-known Parisian monument.
(Pedro Szekely / Flickr)
The Eiffel Tower was evacuated after a bomb threat. Explosive ordnance disposal experts as well as the French police arrived to the scene around 1:30 p.m. local time and began to evacuate three floors, the restaurant and the plaza below the well-known Parisian monument, as seen on social media:
According to the French newspaper Le Parisien, local authorities decided to evacuate the area "following a bomb threat” as "a precautionary measure," since they did not know if there was an explosive in the vicinity of the monument.
The Monument Operating Company (SETE) reported that explosive experts were sent to assess the risks in the area: "This is standard procedure in this type of situation, which is rare." Two hours later, it was determined to be a false alarm.
The Eiffel Tower opened in 1889 and welcomes an average of 25,000 people a day, according to local data.
The Eiffel Tower reopened to the public around 3:30 p.m., according to Le Parisien.
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