As Parisians banded together in a sign of solidarity and strength amid the tragedy of last Friday's attacks, the sound of fireworks and breaking glass caused the mourners to panic, leaving Place de la République in central Paris empty within seconds, according to The Star.
As the country continues to reel from the loss of innocent lives, hundreds of people started gathering around the locations where the attacks took place, even in the Le Carillon bar and the Petit Cambodge restaurant, where 15 people were killed.
In the midst of the solemn gathering, a noise cracked, allegedly from fireworks. Still on edge from the terror attacks, police immediately investigated, guns drawn. People ran in every direction, in tears and panic, emptying the streets in seconds, reports The Times of Israel.
Flowers were trampled, candles were broken in half, and souvenirs were left in honor of those who died were scattered about. People took refuge in a nearby hotel, under café tables, park benches, and even behind trees.
Alice Carton, a municipal worker who came to Republique with two friends, stated that the crowd's reaction was instantaneous.
"Whoever starts running starts everyone else running. It's a very weird atmosphere. The sirens and screaming are a source of fear," she said.
In honor of the victims, the famed bells of the Notre Dame cathedral rang for 15 minutes, as police sirens punctuated the somber melody. The famous church also held a special service for the victims, with several lines stretching out of the cathedral. French police were at the scene, alert and ready.
With just days after a senseless attack killed 129 and injured 350 more, Paris remains very much on edge.
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