Eiffel Tower Fire Rumours Spark Panic on Social Media

Rumours of a fire engulfing the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris have sent social media into a frenzy, with many users expressing concern and panic. The false claims emerged on January 21, 2024, when a video on TikTok went viral, depicting a simulated fire on the landmark, garnering over 2.3 million views and widespread attention.

However, it is important to clarify that these rumors are entirely unfounded, and the Eiffel Tower remains unharmed. No reports of a fire have been listed on the official police website in Paris, further dispelling the false claims.

Given that the Eiffel Tower attracts over seven million visitors annually, it is unsurprising that the online community swiftly responded to the rumors. Many expressed their distress, with one person lamenting that they had not yet fulfilled their dream of visiting the iconic structure.

Despite the widespread concern, some social media users remained skeptical of the video, questioning its authenticity. One user astutely remarked, ‘Can it look more simulated?’, highlighting the artificial nature of the footage.

This is not the first time the Eiffel Tower has been targeted by security-related hoaxes. In August 2023, false bomb threats resulted in the evacuation of the landmark, causing significant disruption. The incidents were later confirmed to be hoaxes, with no explosives found on the premises.

Another hoax surrounding the Eiffel Tower involved claims that its lights were turned off as a tribute to the victims. However, it is a regular occurrence for the tower’s lights to be switched off every night at 1 am, unrelated to any specific event.