Paris: Eiffel Tower Evacuated On Christmas Eve After Short Circuit In Elevator Triggers Fire Alarm

A fire alarm was set off by a short circuit in the elevator system at the Eiffel Tower on Christmas eve. No visitors were injured.

Eiffel Tower was evacuated on Christmas eve after a short circuit occurred in the elevator system.

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The Eiffel Tower was evacuated on Tuesday morning after a fire alarm was set off by a short circuit in the elevator system. No visitors were harmed. An investigation into the cause of the short circuit is underway.

The short circuit happened in the elevator system between the second floor and the top of the tower, news agency Reuters reported, citing the company that managed the popular tourist site.

The statement issued by the company said that the tower will re-open progressively later in the day, however, visitors have been barred from accessing the floors above the second floor. 

After fears of a possible fire sparked concern as the alarm went off, emergency services rushed to the spot to ensure everything was under control. It was later identified that the fire alarm was triggered due to a short circuit on an elevator power rail, British online newspaper Independent reported, citing Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel, the company which operates the Eiffel Tower.

The alarm had went off at 10:50 AM on Christmas eve after the technical problem occured at the monument. SETE stated that the vistors were evacuated from the monument "in accordance with current safety procedures", the report said.

"No visitors were put in danger", a spokesperson said, adding that firefighters and technicians are "conducting investigations to identify the origin of this incident".

Initially there were reports of a blaze at the Eiffel Tower, but the authorities clarified there was no fire and the visitors were not put in any danger.

Earlier this month, Paris opened the Notre Dame Cathedral again, years after it was ravaged by a devastating fire in April 2019. Following a lengthy and challenging restoration process, the first Mass service was held in December, marking a crucial milestone in the rebuilding of the iconic monument.