The iconic, 13th century medieval cathdral, Notre Dame in Paris caught fire on Monday. Onlookers watched in horror as the cathedral went up in flames. Pictures and videos shared on social media show flames and thick plumes of smoke spiraling out of the building.
In one video, the spire is seen falling off the top of the cathedral.
The moment #NotreDame’s spire fell. Heartbreaking! pic.twitter.com/uZHoHZYjtK
— Michael Gravesande (@OldBlackHack) April 15, 2019
L’incendie progresse. Une tourelle vient de s’effondrer #NotreDame pic.twitter.com/dhlcl672YH
— Kim Lévy (@Kilevy) April 15, 2019
Parisian Mayor, Anne Hidalgo, said in a statement that the fire brigade is trying to bring the “terrible fire” under control.
Notre Dame is currently undergoing a €6 million (R95 million) renovation project and French media are saying the fire is “potentially linked” to the renovation work being carried out.
#NotreDame Notre Dame #Paris
→@jbchastand
https://t.co/Pn23Ev24eZ …— ernesto veles (@erveza) April 15, 2019
#NotreDame Cathedral built in 1163 & the finest in French Gothic architecture goes up in flames. The Cathedral, the Seat of the Catholic Church is the most visited in France receiving 14million visitors annually .. Eiffel Tower receives 6m .. 3.5m visit Statue of Liberty in NYC. pic.twitter.com/vqzl15pUEu
— Donald B Kipkorir (@DonaldBKipkorir) April 15, 2019
Picture: @GewoonThijme