The city of Paris is in shock as a fire that started in the spire of the 850-year-old Notre Dame cathedral has destroyed much of the famous landmark.
Around 400 firefighters have been battling all night long to contain the inferno that began around 5.50pm local time. Two-thirds of the roof has been destroyed and the cathedral’s iconic spire has collapsed. Officials believe that the blaze is finally beginning to cool and that the main structure of the cathedral has been saved.
The French president, Emmanuel Macron has said that “the worst has been avoided” and that an international fundraising campaign will be launched to “rebuild Notre Dame together.”
Crowds of mourners have gathered throughout Paris to pray and sing hymns. Several metro stations have been closed and residents in the area surrounding the cathedral have been evacuated due to the growing concern of collapse of the building and spread of the blaze. One firefighter has been seriously injured according to Paris Fire Brigade commander general Jean-Claude Gallet.
The gothic cathedral has been undergoing extensive restoration work. Based on a preliminary investigation, the local authorities believe that the blaze began accidentally and is possibly linked to building work that was being done on the cathedral at the time.
Each year 12 million visitors from right around the globe visit Notre Dame. The cathedral is home to a number of famous artworks; authorities believe many will have been destroyed in the blaze.
The Vatican has released the following statement. “The Holy See has learned with shock and sadness the news of the terrible fire that has devastated the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris, symbol of Christianity, in France and in the world. We express our closeness to the French Catholic and to the people of Paris. We pray for the fire fighters and for all those who are doing everything possible to face this dramatic situation.”
