A discount campaign organized on July 2 by the Lidl supermarket chain in France has caused chaotic scenes in some stores, particularly in the Paris region, at a time when the country is facing a severe heat wave.
The offer for fans and portable air conditioning equipment has attracted a very large number of customers, creating large crowds and uncontrolled situations.
At a store in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, customers started queuing since midnight, and by the time the store opened, their number had reached 300-400. In less than an hour, the products were completely sold out.
The situation escalated inside the store, leading to pushing, falling and panic among customers. French authorities were forced to intervene, sending in police and fire services to restore order.
In one separate incident, a customer used pepper spray, causing health problems for at least eight people, including a 12-year-old child.
Similar incidents were reported in several other towns and suburbs of Paris, including Nanterre, Aubervilliers, Paris 19e, Levallois-Perret, Sevran, L’Haÿ-les-Roses and Valenton. Footage from the scene showed doors being forced open, crowds clashing and staff having to temporarily close some shops for security reasons.
Authorities are expected to analyze the management of the situation and security measures, while the event has raised concerns about the organization of sales with a high flow of customers during periods of extreme temperatures. /Telegraph/