A very devastating moment in French history has taken place yesterday when the iconic Notre Dame cathedral in Paris went up in flames. There is a bit of silver lining as a cathedral priest has stated that all the artifacts and artwork from the cathedral have been saved from the fire.
French journalist Delesalle cited Père Frédéric in a tweet, saying, “Good news: all the works of art were saved. The treasure of the Cathedral is intact, the Crown of thorns, the Holy sacraments.”
Une bonne nouvelle : toutes les œuvres d’art ont été sauvées. Le trésor de la cathédrale est intact, la couronne d’épines, les saints sacrements. #NOTRE_DAME
— Nicolas Delesalle (@KoliaDelesalle) April 15, 2019
According to Bloomberg, the fire, which destroyed large sections of the Notre Dame cathedral, has also spread to one of the rectangular towers. The historic building’s spire and roof have both collapsed.
There’s been no word on casualties yet. And the cause of the fire is still undetermined. However, officials have hinted that there could be a link between that and the current renovation that was being undertaken.
#Intervention en cours à #NotreDame
— Pompiers de Paris (@PompiersParis) April 15, 2019
Un dispositif important est déployé. Merci de ne pas encombrer la ligne 18/112, laissez libre accès aux sapeurs-pompiers de Paris, pour leur permettre d’intervenir dans les meilleures conditions. pic.twitter.com/jRiHoNo6rf
Emmanuel Macron, the French President, had canceled a planned public address in order to go to the scene.
Second tower catching on fire #notredamedeparis #notredame pic.twitter.com/ScP7c5SRku
— Andrei Popoviciu (@AndreiPopoviciu) April 15, 2019
A Bloomberg report stated that France’s civil security agency claimed all means to stop the blaze had been deployed at the scene of the fire – minus water-dropping aircraft as such a method could cause further damage to the structure and cause it to wholly collapse.
The inside of Notre Dame is now burning, the medieval internal wooden frame destroyed. (The spire was rebuilt in 19th century, but a miracle of engineering.) Old wood is feeding the fire. A horrible moment, incomprehensible loss of architectural & artistic genius and history. pic.twitter.com/HP9yq8kaw1
— Kurt Eichenwald (@kurteichenwald) April 15, 2019
The Notre Dame cathedral is 850 years old. Last year, the Catholic Church launched a campaign urgently calling for funds to repair the structure, as it was showing serious signs of wear and decay. The original construction of Notre Dame – French for ‘Our Lady’ – began in 1160, and most of the completion took until the next hundred years in 1260. Since then, the structure has been modified numerous times throughout history.
Many world leaders have reach out to express their sadness and condolences at such a tragedy.
My thoughts are with the people of France tonight and with the emergency services who are fighting the terrible blaze at Notre-Dame cathedral.
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) April 15, 2019
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
