For Postmedia Canada: Blown lightbulb sparks panic in Paris

Jul 29

Jul 29 For Postmedia Canada: Blown lightbulb sparks panic in Paris

Nov. 16, 2015

PARIS— Nerves are frayed. Tensions high.

A series of false alerts caused widespread panic in Paris late Sunday, driving small stampedes to flee from Place de la Republique where mourners had been gathering.

Despite the signs and posters placed along the square's monument, which declare "We are not afraid," the city is on edge.

When the sound of a light bulb blowing out at a restaurant near Place de la Republique caused a nearby police officer to instinctively draw his gun, witnesses panicked believing that shots had been fired.

They ran, clearing the square in seconds.

Similarly, TV cameras at Le Carillon captured mourners fleeing in terror after a false alarm sent a wave of panic through the crowd.

Footage reveals one woman running into burning candles and falling onto broken glass.

While January's terror attack on the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo focused on a single target, terrorists on Nov. 13 aimed at any and all Parisians they could ensnare in their crosshairs.

Which is why, this time around, the grief has become personal.