Social media has been flooded by images of the Notre Dame cathedral in flames on 15 Apr 2019, Monday.
The cause was not immediately clear, but officials say that it could be linked to renovation work.
Video footage of #NotreDame’s spire collapsingpic.twitter.com/3nbjukPsnN
— IRIA (@IRIA_Research) April 15, 2019
Absolutely heartbreaking. That’s almost a 1000 years worth of history going down in flames. One of the most iconic architectures in the world. Moment of loss not only for France, but basically the entire world. #NotreDame pic.twitter.com/B2kb954vaO
— P A B O WITH LUV🤘🏻 (@aegyoeobta) April 15, 2019
It was built in 1345, took 200 years to built and caught fire 🔥on 15.04.2019 #NotreDame #heartbreaking pic.twitter.com/YCK3mXVwVG
— Rufus (@jkrprajapati) April 15, 2019
Close up shot of the #NotreDame on fire. Horrible. 😔 (AFP) pic.twitter.com/Vtdm1cfiGx
— Anthony (@alloveranthony) April 15, 2019
It's really sad to see this happen to one of France's most famous landmarks. It's 800 years old. It will be such a big loss. The fire looks monstrous but I hope they can still do something about it. #NotreDame pic.twitter.com/byq75qDPi2
— Sandeep (@sandeep_7847) April 15, 2019
Officials in Paris said the fire, which started around 7pm local time, could be linked to renovation works being carried out at the cathedral.
The Notre-Dame cathedral is currently undergoing renovations. Cracks have began to appear in the stone structure sparking fear that it could become unstable.
President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron tweeted about the Notre Dame Cathedral fire.
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
US President Donald Trump tweeted, “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!”
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