Notre Dame goes up in flames
A major fire has burned down much of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
Two-thirds of the roof of the 850-year-old Medieval landmark has been destroyed.
The cause of the fire is unknown, but it’s suggested it could be linked to current renovation work.
Thousands of onlookers watched helplessly from the streets below as the cathedral’s steeple toppled.
The moment #NotreDame’s spire fell pic.twitter.com/XUcr6Iob0b
— Patrick Galey (@patrickgaley) April 15, 2019
The fire started at around 6:50pm local time.
French firefighters say they have managed to stop the fire from spreading to the northern tower, saving the church from “total destruction”.
One firefighter has been seriously injured while working to contain the blaze.
Emergency services have reportedly saved many of the priceless treasures stored inside the church.
French President Emmanuel Macron says he will launch an international fundraising campaign to help rebuild the monument.
Built in the 12th and 13th centuries, Notre Dame is one of the world’s most famous tourist attractions.
Historian of Modern France Professor Peter McPhee tells Chris Smith Notre Dame is regarded as the centre of Paris.
“It had its trials and tribulations before but this is certainly the worst of them.
“The authorities in Paris say there’s absolutely no trace of anything that they would see as suspicious about this and lets hope that they’re right.”
Click PLAY to hear the full interview
#NOTRE_DAME stood for 900 years and it took 200 years to build and it is gone in minutes! Sad day for #France and #European heritage. pic.twitter.com/Bebs0ilZhP
— Ambassador Edon Cana (@EdonCana) April 15, 2019
Watching history fade away before their eyes, Parisians sing solemnly as Notre Dame burns.
pic.twitter.com/7aIxJsxVzz— Anthony (@anthpezz) April 15, 2019
Glimpse inside a burning heart.
Smoke rises in front of the altar cross while the roof of Notre-Dame burns
📷 Philippe Wojazer pic.twitter.com/nFqibFVIWF
— AFP news agency (@AFP) April 16, 2019
I fondly remember standing outside Notre Dame with Jen almost 30 years ago. So sad to see this beautiful cathedral in flames this morning. Our thoughts are with the people of France and emergency services who are fighting this fire. They will rebuild as Parisians always do.
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) April 15, 2019
Police drone image shows just how devastating the Notre Dame fire is. pic.twitter.com/CWNRIiGrvy
— Brett Mcleod (@Brett_McLeod) April 15, 2019