Tornado Devastates Northern Paris Districts, Killing One and Injuring Several

A rare tornado struck northern Paris on Monday, killing a 23-year-old construction worker and injuring ten others, including four critically. The storm toppled three cranes, tore off roofs, and caused major damage across several districts, with Ermont worst affected. Emergency teams responded swiftly as officials described the tornado as one of “sudden and rare intensity.”

A powerful and destructive tornado swept through several districts north of Paris on Monday, unleashing chaos and devastation that left one person dead and several others severely injured. Authorities said the rare and sudden storm toppled three massive construction cranes, caused widespread property damage, and sent residents fleeing for safety as powerful winds tore through neighborhoods.

The town of Ermont, located about 20 kilometers (13 miles) northeast of Paris, was the hardest hit. Witnesses described the terrifying scene as the tornado moved swiftly through the area, uprooting trees, ripping roofs off buildings, and scattering debris across streets. Within minutes, it had caused destruction across nearly ten districts, leaving behind a trail of wreckage and panic.

Regional prosecutor Guirec Le Bras confirmed that a 23-year-old construction worker was killed while working on a building site when one of the cranes collapsed. Ten other people were reported injured, with four of them in critical condition. Authorities said the tornado’s intensity caught residents and workers off guard, giving them little time to react as the storm’s winds tore through construction zones and residential areas.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the tornado as a storm of “sudden and rare intensity.” In a statement shared on the X platform, he expressed sympathy and support for the victims and those affected, writing, “I am following the situation closely and express my support to officials, the rescuers on site, and the affected residents. I extend my condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased victim.”

Videos circulating on social media captured the dramatic moment when three cranes toppled almost simultaneously. One crane crashed into a clinic, though no injuries were reported there, while another fell onto a residential building, damaging several apartments. Emergency responders, including firefighters, police, and medical personnel, rushed to the scene to rescue those trapped and provide medical care to the injured.

Throughout the night, rescue teams worked tirelessly to clear debris and secure damaged structures. Residents were advised to remain indoors and avoid affected zones as authorities assessed the extent of the damage. By early Tuesday, crews were still combing through the wreckage to ensure no one remained trapped under collapsed structures.

Meteorologists have described the tornado as an exceptional weather phenomenon for the Paris region, noting that such storms are extremely rare in northern France. The event has sparked renewed concern over changing climate patterns and the growing unpredictability of extreme weather events across Europe.

As cleanup efforts continue, emergency officials have promised support for displaced families and affected businesses. The French government is expected to review disaster preparedness measures to better respond to future incidents of this nature, which experts warn could become more frequent in the years ahead.