Extreme temperatures spark chaos in France, clashes among shoppers over air conditioners and fans

Scorching temperatures gripping France were accompanied by tense scenes in several supermarkets, after a discount campaign for cooling appliances attracted an exceptionally large number of customers, especially in the Paris region.

Offers on fans and portable air-conditioning units drew huge crowds of shoppers, creating situations that were difficult to control at several sales points.

At a supermarket in Paris’s 14th arrondissement, people had started waiting just after midnight. When the store opened its doors, the line had reached around 300 to 400 people, while all the appliances placed on offer were sold out in less than an hour.

Inside the store, the heavy flow of customers was accompanied by pushing, falls and moments of panic, making the intervention of the authorities necessary. Police and firefighters were deployed at the scene to restore order and ensure the protection of customers.

In one of the incidents, one person used pepper spray, causing health problems for at least eight people, including a 12-year-old child.

Similar incidents were also reported in other areas of the Paris region, including Nanterre, Aubervilliers and Valenton. Footage shared from the scenes shows doors forced open, clashes between customers and interventions by staff, who in some cases were forced to temporarily close the stores for safety reasons.

Following the incident, a debate has opened over how promotional campaigns are organized during periods of extreme temperatures, while French authorities are expected to review the handling of the situation and the security measures applied during sales with heavy customer traffic.