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Eiffel Tower Evacuated After Shirtless Climber Scales Landmark During Olympics Closing Ceremony
The Eiffel Tower was evacuated after a shirtless climber scaled the iconic landmark during the Olympics closing ceremony, causing a stir among spectators and authorities. Discover the details behind this daring feat and its impact on the event.
Incident at the Eiffel Tower During Olympics Closing Ceremony
On Sunday, the iconic Eiffel Tower became the center of attention once again as French police swiftly evacuated the surrounding area after a shirtless man was spotted scaling the renowned landmark. This unusual event unfolded just hours before the highly anticipated closing ceremony of the Olympics.
The climber’s ascent drew significant public interest, as he was observed climbing the 330-meter-tall structure in the afternoon. While the exact point from which he began his climb remains unclear, onlookers reported seeing him just above the Olympic rings, which were prominently displayed on the second level of the tower, situated above the first viewing platform.
According to Euronews correspondent Sophia Khatsenkova, the area around the Eiffel Tower has since been reopened, allowing tourists to resume their visits to this historical site. Initially, police took measures to ensure safety by escorting visitors away from the vicinity around 3 PM. Some tourists found themselves temporarily confined on the second floor of the tower but were permitted to exit approximately 30 minutes later.
The Eiffel Tower had already played a significant role in the Olympic celebrations, serving as a stunning backdrop during the opening ceremony, where international superstar Celine Dion captivated audiences with a heartfelt performance from one of its viewing decks. However, it was announced that the tower would not feature in the closing ceremony, which was scheduled to take place at the Stade de France in the northern suburb of Saint-Denis at 9 PM.
In light of the ongoing events, over 30,000 police officers were deployed throughout Paris on Sunday to ensure the safety of the public. France’s Interior Minister, Gerald Darmanin, confirmed that approximately 3,000 officers would be stationed around the Stade de France, while an additional 20,000 police troops and security personnel would be strategically positioned across Paris and the Saint-Denis area, remaining vigilant late into the night to maintain order during the final day of the Olympics.