A massive fire engulfed the roof at the famed Notre Dame cathedral in Paris on Monday afternoon, collapsing the main spire in the blaze.
The intense flames leaped out from two of its bell towers minutes before the spire collapsed. A church spokesman told French media that all of Notre Dame cathedral’s frame is burning after the spire collapsed.
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Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo asked the residents to stay away from the area and let the security officials carry out the rescue operations.
“The Paris fire service is trying to control the flames,” she said on Twitter, describing it a “terrible fire”.
Meanwhile, France President Emmanuel Macron expressed grief over the incident and said, “like all our fellow citizens, I’m sad tonight to see this part of us burn”. He also cancelled his plan to address the nation following the incident.
“Notre Dame of Paris in flames. Emotion for a whole nation. Thoughts for all Catholics and for all French. Like all our countrymen, I’m sad tonight to see this part of us burn,” Macron tweeted.
Cette cathédrale Notre-Dame, nous la rebâtirons. Tous ensemble. C’est une part de notre destin français. Je m’y engage : dès demain une souscription nationale sera lancée, et bien au-delà de nos frontières.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 15, 2019
Reportedly, precious artwork held within the Notre Dame Cathedral is being evacuated.
Speaking to reporters here, Laurent Nunez, the French Secretary to the Interior Minister said that both of the cathedral’s towers are safe as the “fire is now weaker.”
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
US President Donald Trump also expressed his concern over the massive fire and 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!”