Massive Fire Destroys Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris
Following a massive fire at the 750-year-old Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, the spire and roof of the church collapsed. The fire is believed to have been caused by renovation and reconstruction work in the upper section of the cathedral. The fire has penetrated the northern tower and there is concern about its destruction as well.
According to international news agencies, the Notre-Dame Cathedral in the capital of France has caught fire.
The Paris Fire Department confirmed this news on Monday evening, April 15 (26 Farvardin).
In images posted on the internet, one can see flames of fire and thick black smoke rising from the roof of this cathedral into the sky. French television has also broadcast images of this fire.
The fire started in the upper section of this building. Internet images show that the spire and part of the cathedral’s roof have collapsed.
On Monday evening, about three hours after the fire started, it is reported that the fire has also spread to the northern tower. The French Ministry of Interior said that this tower may also not be able to be saved. In other words, most of the cathedral has been consumed by the fire.
André Finot, a spokesperson for Notre-Dame, said: “Everything is burning. From the wooden framework under the roof, part of which dates back to the nineteenth century and another part from the thirteenth century, nothing will remain.”
Many valuable historical and artistic artifacts exist in this cathedral. So far, no detailed reports of extensive damage inside have been released. The entire wooden structure of the cathedral has burned in the fire.
It is still unclear whether the fire will spread to the cathedral’s dome, which supports the entire structure of the building.
As firefighting teams rushed toward the cathedral, thousands of Paris residents stood along the banks of the Seine River, shocked witnesses to the destruction of part of this invaluable historical monument of several thousand years and the unique pride of their city, which they consider the heart of Paris.
The French news agency says the renovation work on this cathedral may have caused the fire. The fire started around 6:50 p.m. local time in the space below the cathedral’s roof.
The Paris Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into the causes of the fire.
Anne Hidalgo, the Mayor of Paris, wrote on Twitter: “A terrible fire has engulfed Notre-Dame Cathedral.” A spokesman for the mayor said the cathedral grounds have been evacuated.
Notre-Dame Cathedral, located in the heart of Paris, is one of the main tourist attractions of the city, attracting millions of visitors annually.
The history of this cathedral dates back to the middle of the twelfth century. It took approximately 200 years to complete this structure. This building, which measures 127, 40, and 33 meters in length, width, and height respectively, features a unique Gothic architectural style.
Source: DW
