A fire broke out this Monday evening, around 7 PM, on the roof of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.
The fire is believed to have started in the attic of the building, then spread and enveloped part of the roof. The cathedral’s iconic spire collapsed under the force of the flames. The Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, stated that the damage would likely be considerable. This tragedy occurs while major renovation work is underway on the upper part of the monument.
Notre-Dame de Paris engulfed in flames. The whole nation is moved. Thoughts go out to all Catholics and all French citizens. Like all our compatriots, I am saddened this evening to see this part of us burning.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 15, 2019
President Emmanuel Macron was scheduled to speak on television this Monday evening in relation to the conclusion of the Grand Debate. However, this was postponed as the Head of State went to the scene of the fire early in the evening.
By around 11 PM, the fire seemed to be under control, and the structure of Notre-Dame was preserved, even though the framework was destroyed. 500 firefighters battled to save what they could and to fight the disaster. Fundraisers have emerged online to collect money to rebuild what was destroyed.
Great emotion swept over the French as they watched this tragic spectacle. The Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is one of the most visited monuments in Europe and an architectural masterpiece that has inspired many artists, such as Victor Hugo.
