The blades of the famous Moulin Rouge in Paris collapsed on Thursday morning, leaving the landmark without its most defining feature. The collapse occurred between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m, as reported by French TV channel BMF.

The Moulin Rouge, depicted in the film of the same name, draws tourists from all over the world with its captivating red windmill. The event startled onlookers, as a journalist from the French channel TF1 even shared a video of the blades lying on the ground on social media.

Firefighters report that the reason behind the collapse is yet to be determined. Fortunately, there were no injuries and no immediate danger of further damage. While there is still uncertainty surrounding the incident, those with ties to the Moulin Rouge revealed that the cabaret’s technical teams regularly inspect the windmill mechanism and hadn’t identified any problems. It is the first time such an accident has occurred since the cabaret opened its doors on October 6, 1889. The last significant damage inflicted upon the iconic structure was a fire that erupted during renovations in 1915, forcing the establishment to close for nine years.

Situated in the heart of Paris, the Moulin Rouge is one of the most sought-after tourist attractions, standing alongside renowned landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame Cathedral.

Embracing its fame as the birthplace of the famous can-can dance, the cabaret captivates visitors with its extravagant and vibrant performances. Although mostly visited by tourists, the cabaret house continues to enchant a diverse audience.

The recent incident comes as Paris gears up to host the Summer Olympic Games, a grand event expected to attract thousands of visitors. The city’s ability to handle the surge of tourists has been a growing concern, and the unfortunate incident at Moulin Rouge adds to these apprehensions.

References: 1, 2