Fire destroys Notre-Dame in Paris

PARIS: A fire engulfed Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on Monday, bringing down a spire as Parisians and tourists watched in horror.

The massive fire began in the early evening sending huge clouds of smoke billowing into the sky.

The cause of massive fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral was not immediately knot but according to AFP the 850-year-old structure had been undergoing restoration work.

Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire said spire collapsed inwards, adding that efforts were being made to save all the artworks.

Quoting a spokesman for Note-Dame, AFP reported that wooden structure supporting the roof was being gutted by the fire.

French President Emmanuel Macron cancelled a TV address after the fire erupted at “Notre Dame”.

“Like all my compatriots I am sad to see a part of us burn this evening” he said, expressing solidarity with “all Catholics and all French people,” the President said on Twitter.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called Notre-Dame cathedral a “symbol of European culture” as the blaze raged.

Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo in a tweet described it as a “terrible fire”.

US President Donald Trump in a tweet said: “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!”

Notre-Dame, which was built between the years 1163 and 1345, is one of the most popular tourist sites in France.