PA/@UKFour/TwitterA church spokesperson has said the entire wooden interior of the Notre Dame Cathedral is burning and will likely be completely destroyed.
The spokesperson has informed French media the entirety of the 12th century landmark’s frame is burning following the collapse of the iconic spire.
850 years old, 12 million visitors per year (the most visited monument in Paris); Notre Dame’s Cathedral fire is such a great loss to all humanity.. mon coeur est en larmes 😢 pic.twitter.com/TChqrKHpuc
— Hetch Serg (@hetchserg) April 15, 2019
Im in utter shock watching the terrible sights on TV. #NotreDame cathedral is on fire and we are watching as the world is about to lose this 850 year old historical, iconic and beautiful world heritage building. Huge huge loss pic.twitter.com/NIrmYpubq7
— Luke Evans (@TheRealLukevans) April 15, 2019
As reported by the Independent, Notre Dame spokesperson Andre Finot told French journalists, ‘Everything is burning, nothing will remain from the frame’.
According to Reuters, a police officer close to the scene stated, ‘everything is collapsing’ while the roof went up in flames.
President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, made the following statement:
I am minute by minute the fire of which Notre-Dame de Paris is the prey.
Our Lady of Paris belongs to the whole of mankind. What a sad spectacle. What a horror.
I share the emotion of the French nation which is also ours.
It's a very sad day. So much history lost in such a short time. @ShropsFire thoughts and prayers are with the people of Paris and especially our colleagues in the Paris Fire Service: stay safe. #NotreDame pic.twitter.com/PwBtsJXZv9
— Andy Johnson (@SFRS_AJohnson) April 15, 2019
NOW I CAN SEE FIRE IN THE BELL TOWERS!!!
NO WATER IS GOING IN THERE!!!#notredamedeparis #NotreDame pic.twitter.com/kGoawWkyQy— Billy The Kid (@BillyTh87950625) April 15, 2019
Deputy mayor of Paris, Emmanuel Gregoire, has described Notre Dame as having suffered ‘colossal damages’. The emergency services are now attempting to salvage priceless art and artifacts which are stored inside the cathedral.
French President Emmanuel Macron has postponed a planned speech tonight due to the blaze in central Paris, a Élysée Palace spokesperson said.
President Macron tweeted:
Notre-Dame de Paris in flames. Emotion of a whole nation. Thought for all Catholics and for all French. Like all our compatriots, I am sad tonight to see this part of us burn.
The Paris prosecutor’s office have reportedly now started an inquiry into this devastating fire.
We can’t believe this is happening, the whole city is smoked out. Everyone is just, staring… #paris #notredame pic.twitter.com/dMGIOK7DQp
— Luke Penrose (@voiceoverluke) April 15, 2019
From an unthinkable to a very sad reality: the #NotreDame fire already feels like an event that you’ll remember exactly where you were when you first heard about it and first saw the depressing images. I simply can’t imagine #Paris without this iconic 850 year old cathedral. pic.twitter.com/ZYWKbJ3EvQ
— Mohamed A. El-Erian (@elerianm) April 15, 2019
#France, #Europe, humanity: all of us have lost a lot today -JM #NotreDame
— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) April 15, 2019
Notre Dame Cathedral has stood since 1260, having been modified throughout the centuries. It’s provided rich inspiration for writers such as Victor Hugo, and is regarded one of the most culturally significant and instantly recognisable buildings on the planet.
Approximately 13 million people visit the Notre Dame Cathedral every year, with an average exceeding 30,000 visitors each day.
Our thoughts are with the people of Paris.
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Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.