Shoppers desperate to escape Europe’s brutal heat wave stormed a French store for air conditioners and fans, shoving and scrambling for the last cooling units.
The chaotic scenes unfolded this week at a store in Chambray-lès-Tours, where dozens of people waited outside before rushing through the doors as the security shutter rolled open, according to The Sun.
Footage on social media shows shoppers elbowing their way through the crowd and clambering over one another to snatch portable air conditioners and fans from the shelves.
Within seconds, the display had been stripped nearly bare.
The buying frenzy comes as much of Western Europe swelters through a record-breaking heat wave that has pushed temperatures above 104 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of France, Spain, and neighboring countries.
The extreme heat has already taken a deadly toll.
French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari posted on X that at least 55 people have drowned across France as residents sought relief from the soaring temperatures in rivers, lakes and other waterways.
Among the most heartbreaking cases was the death of a 3-year-old boy who became trapped inside a family car in Saint-Gratien, outside Paris, on Wednesday, authorities said.
People went MENTAL, fighting over fans and air conditioners in Chambray-lès-Tours, France Over half the country is under red alerts, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in places!! Writer: Ianpic.twitter.com/CfGQtIpTD2
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) June 25, 2026
The child climbed into the vehicle after his father told him to take a nap, but the car’s child-lock system engaged, trapping him inside as outside temperatures climbed above 85 degrees.
He was discovered about 45 minutes later but could not be revived.
The scorching conditions have also stretched emergency services to the limit, prompting officials in Paris to impose temporary alcohol restrictions aimed at reducing heat-related emergencies.
“We are reaching a saturation point in hospital facilities,” Paris police chief Patrice Faure said Thursday.
Public drinking is banned from noon Friday until 7 a.m. Saturday, with the same restrictions in effect from Saturday to Sunday.
Takeout alcohol sales are also banned beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, although bars and restaurants remain exempt.
The heat wave has also disrupted daily life across the continent.
More than 8,000 schools in France have been affected, tourist attractions have closed and livestock deaths have been reported.
Spain has recorded at least 212 heat-related deaths, according to local authorities.
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