One of Paris’ most iconic landmarks is currently being engulfed in flames.
A fire broke out around 6:50 pm CET on April 15 at the Notre-Dame Cathedral on the Île de la Cité, located in the 4th arrondissement. Onlookers have shared images and videos on social media.
See also:
- Notre-Dame Cathedral’s main structure reported safe, France vows to rebuild
- Historic spire collapses atop Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris (VIDEO)
The Notre Dame marks the heart of the city for locals and tourists alike, and is the most visited monument in Paris. The cathedral sees 12 million visitors a year — nearly double the people who visit the Eiffel Tower.
The 850-year-old historical monument is known for being as stunning on the inside as it is on the outside, and tourists love to marvel at the gargoyle sculptures and stained glass ceilings. The 422 steps of the towers lead to incredible panoramic views of the Île de la Cité, the cathedral itself and Paris.
The Notre-Dame Cathedral is known by many due to the Hunchback of Notre-Dame, a Victor Hugo novel that was published in 1831 and adapted by Disney in 1996.
The cause of the massive blaze is not yet known, but local media — quoting the Paris fire brigade — suggested it could be “potentially linked” to the $6.8-million renovation project that is underway on the peak of the building.
Paris’ mayor Anne Hidalgo is calling it a “terrible fire” and asked locals to respect the security perimeters around the scene.
Un terrible incendie est en cours à la cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris. Les @PompiersParis sont en train de tenter de maîtriser les flammes. Nous sommes mobilisés sur place en lien étroit avec le @dioceseParis. J’invite chacune et chacun à respecter le périmètre de sécurité. pic.twitter.com/9X0tGtlgba
— Anne Hidalgo (@Anne_Hidalgo) April 15, 2019
The iconic spire at the front of the cathedral collapsed at approximately 8 pm CET.
La flèche de Notre-Dame vient de s’effondrer sous les exclamations horrifiées des gens #NotreDame pic.twitter.com/kfLNt7rhsZ
— Wladimir Garcin-Berson (@vladogb) April 15, 2019
The moment #NotreDame’s spire fell pic.twitter.com/XUcr6Iob0b
— Patrick Galey (@patrickgaley) April 15, 2019
As of midnight CET, the Notre-Dame Cathedral’s main structure has been reported as safe, and France has vowed to rebuild. Read the update here.
We are witnessing the destruction of our History. I am crying#Paris#NotreDamepic.twitter.com/5qH79gFNrI
— lia (@freddiemyqueen) April 15, 2019
Can’t believe it. My dream is ruining before my eyes 😭😭😭#NotreDame pic.twitter.com/3Z2Bd8fOsl
— Tia Tay (@TiaTay369) April 15, 2019
Notre Dame Cathedral ablaze in Paris.
Can’t imagine how much damage this will do to such a beautiful, historic cathedral.
— The Hoarse Whisperer (@HoarseWisperer) April 15, 2019
Holy hell.
The Notre Dame cathedral in Paris is currently engulfed in flames. pic.twitter.com/nhAGjGx0mE— Chris Strider (@stridinstrider) April 15, 2019
Notre dame Cathedral in #Paris on fire pic.twitter.com/2aNC30f2wl
— Muligande Sengabo (@MuligandeSengab) April 15, 2019
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is on fire https://t.co/EKgXYpbCmK
— Masscracka35 (@Masscracka35) April 15, 2019
Notre dame de paris en feux 😥 pic.twitter.com/FHqANW8ADC
— Blaise (@canapebz) April 15, 2019
Notre Dame de Paris is burning down. I’m terribly sad to see one of France most magnifying heritage, literally going into flames and ashes pic.twitter.com/4VzkkPvxZo
— Ella ◟̽◞̽ Tattoed on my heart (@sweetlouiex) April 15, 2019
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