Eiffel Tower fire forces evacuation on Christmas Eve

Fire erupts in Eiffel Tower’s elevator shaft on Christmas Eve, prompting evacuation of 1,200 visitors.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris was evacuated on December 24 after a fire erupted between its first and second floors.

Approximately 1,200 visitors were safely removed from the iconic landmark as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze.

According to local media, the flames originated in the elevator shaft, with initial reports suggesting that an overheating device near an elevator cable may have triggered the fire. French authorities swiftly deployed emergency services to manage the situation.

The Eiffel Tower, one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, typically attracts 15,000 to 25,000 visitors daily, as noted by statistics database RoadGenius.

This incident is not the first fire in the tower's history. In 1956, a blaze in the television transmission room caused significant damage to the structure.

As investigations continue, updates on the cause and extent of the fire are expected. This remains a developing story.