Video: The terrifying moment when a false alarm panicked crowds in Paris

It was later learnt that the sound came from firecrackers

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16 Nov 2015, 3:18 am

Clearly indicating how the residents of Paris are still reeling from the terror attacks which took place across the French capital on Friday, hundreds of people fled from a gathering at the Place de la Republique after a false alarm.

Videos of the incident that have surfaced, show people gathered around a monument in the square to pay their tributes to the ones killed in the attacks, when a distant sound triggered an immediate stampede-like situation.

It was later learnt that the sound came from firecrackers.

At least 129 people were killed and more than 300 injured in Paris after unidentified gunmen opened fire at six locations including busy restaurants, bars and a concert hall, late on Friday night, which has resulted in France declaring a national state of emergency and closing its borders.

According to reports, residents were also seen cowering under tables in nearby restaurants as crowds ran from the spot after the sound of the firecrackers and armed police arrived at the scene to investigate.

The terrifying moment that a false alarm panicked crowds at the Place de la Republique in central #Paris (Reuters) pic.twitter.com/k31qlv82e3
— Julia Macfarlane (@juliamacfarlane) November 15, 2015

Something happening in Place République. People screaming and running into my hotel.
— Mark MacKinnon (@markmackinnon) November 15, 2015

What just happened? #placedelarepublique #paris #ParisAttacks #confusion pic.twitter.com/KH9XBge0Q4
— B.Malik (@BakhtW) November 15, 2015

Massive panic as crowd clears #placedelarepublique Hundreds running, fearing for their lives #ParisAttacks
— Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) November 15, 2015

Unconfirmed reports of shooting at Place de la Republique where we are. Panic. We are hiding with dozens of people.
— Noopur Tiwari (@NoopurTiwari) November 15, 2015

Police sirens outside. Cars turning away from the scare. We have been herded to dark place in bldg. Panic at #PlaceDelaRepublique
— Noopur Tiwari (@NoopurTiwari) November 15, 2015

False alert it seems. Big panic but not clear what triggered it. We are out on the Republic square now. Safe! #NotAfraid. #Paris
— Noopur Tiwari (@NoopurTiwari) November 15, 2015