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We had gone upstairs for a drink as the band played - then the shots rang out

Designer watched from balcony as gunmen opened fire, then climbed through a skylight and across the rooftops

November 19, 2015 09:38
Jérôme Elkaïm had gone up to the balcony when the shooting started. From there, he and 70 others fled via a fire escape and over rooftops to safety

By

Naomi Firsht,

Naomi Firsht

2 min read

Jewish Interior designer Jérôme Elkaïm was tired of standing in the crowded concert hall. He'd been on his feet watching the support act and the band he'd come to see, the Eagles of Death Metal, were taking a while to set up.

He decided to go to the bar for a drink and then head upstairs - a decision that saved his life.

From the balcony, he first heard the gunfire, then the sounds of panic, and he watched as the band suddenly fled the stage.

"I didn't want to believe it. It was unimaginable. When I heard the panicked screams, that's when I looked to see what was happening," said Mr Elkaïm, 33.