COURTESY LE MONDE
WEB DESK
A massive fire has ENGULFED the famous Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris and has spread rapidly across the building. The cause is not yet clear, but officials say that it could be linked to renovation work.
A major operation to tackle the blaze is underway at the 850-year-old Gothic building, but the cathedral’s spire and roof have collapsed.
Last year, the Catholic Church in France appealed for funds to save the building, which was crumbling.
Fire that began in the early evening burst through the roof of the centuries-old cathedral and engulfed the spire, which collapsed, quickly followed by the entire roof.
Ravaged by the flames, the spire of the cathedral collapsed shortly before 8 pm. “Everything is burning. The frame, which dates from the nineteenth century on one side and the thirteenth on the other, there will be nothing left, “told Agence France-Presse Andre Finot, the spokesman for Notre Dame.
Construction for the church began in the 12th century and since then, had undergone occasional renovations. The cathedral was in the midst of a $6.8 million renovation project but a French organization known as “Friends of Notre Dame de Paris” said they were in need of $70 million for cathedral renovations.
L’incendie vu de l’Ile Saint Louis. #NotreDame pic.twitter.com/wCYQlPFpUY
— Pierre Bouvier (@pibzedog) April 15, 2019
The fire took in the attic of the cathedral, the most visited historical monument in Europe. Emmanuel Macron, who postponed his speech to Tuesday, went on site. From Washington to Berlin, everywhere the emotion is great.
A huge plume of smoke wafted across the city and ash fell over a large area. Parisians watched on, many of them lost for words.
Fire burst through the roof of Notre-Dame Cathedral and engulfed the spire, which collapsed, quickly followed by the entire roof
The cathedral, located on an island in Seine River, has been under renovation, with scaffolding covering much of the roof.
“Like all our compatriots, I am sad this evening to see this part of all of us burn,” President Emmanuel Macron tweeted.
Several hundred firefighters are in action Monday, April 15 in the evening, to try to extinguish the fire that ravages the cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris.
The fire took in the attic of the cathedral, said firefighters. The arrow has collapsed on itself. According to the Notre-Dame spokesperson, the fire was reported to be around 6:50 pm
The President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, who has postponed his speech to Tuesday, goes on site, announced the Elysee.
“No, we do not know yet what is the origin of the fire that took in the attic of Notre-Dame. According to our information, the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office opened a preliminary investigation, which was entrusted to the Regional Directorate of the Judicial Police. But because of the uncertainties still hanging over the origin of the fire, the prosecutor’s office did not communicate the reason for the opening of this investigation” Le Monde.
Notre-Dame de Paris en proie aux flammes. Émotion de toute une nation. Pensée pour tous les catholiques et pour tous les Français. Comme tous nos compatriotes, je suis triste ce soir de voir brûler cette part de nous.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 15, 2019
“Horrified by the pictures coming from Paris with the fire engulfing Notre Dame Cathedral – a unique example of world heritage that has stood tall since the 14th century. My thoughts are with the people and government of France” @UN Chief @AntonioGuterres.
Photo: K. Dallinger pic.twitter.com/YeSjrt0kv0
— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) April 15, 2019
So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2019
