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Notre Dame fire: Massive blaze tears through Paris cathedral, spire collapses
"A lot of people are crying," one witness told NBC News.
Flames engulfed the historic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on Monday, with billowing smoke seen from miles away in the French capital.
The flames appeared to be around scaffolding, high at the top of the famous church where $6.8 million in renovations were being done.
At least one of the church's spires has fallen and France 24 reported that the roof has collapsed.
The spire destroyed by the fire contained artifacts considered sacred to Catholics, including a relic believed to be from Jesus Christ's crown of thorns. Relics from Saint Genevieve and Saint Denis are also feared lost.
Download the NBC News app for breaking news and updates on the Notre Dame fire.
"Everything is burning, nothing will remain from the frame," Notre Dame spokesman Andre Finot told French media.
Onlookers were in tears as they witnessed flames destroying one of Paris' most famed and popular landmarks.
"A lot of people are crying," witness Carolyn Marguiles told NBC News in a phone interview moments before she spotted the roof falling. "Oh my God, it just fully collapsed!"
French President Emmanuel Macron canceled a scheduled speech to deal with the ongoing fire. He said this was an emotional night for Catholics and all of France.
"Our Lady of Paris is in flames," Macron said in a statement on Twitter. "Emotion for the whole nation. A thought for all Catholics and for all French. Like all our countrymen, I'm sad tonight to see this part of us burn."
No deaths were immediately reported from the massive blaze, Paris police said.
"A terrible fire is underway at Notre Dame Cathedral," Mayor Anne Hidalgo tweeted. She called on Parisians to stay away from the area to allow firefighters to do their work.
'Entire roof is collapsed in': Witness described Notre Dame damage
April 15, 2019 / 03:05
Even President Donald Trump urged Paris firefighters to do everything they could to douse flames.
"So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris," he tweeted. "Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!"
The house of worship, with roots dating back to the 12th century, is considered one of the world's greatest examples of French Gothic architecture.
Construction of Notre Dame began in 1163 under the reign of King Louis VII, and the first stone was laid in the presence of Pope Alexander III.
The landmark was not considered complete until nearly 200 years later, however, with the installation of flying buttresses and a stone fence surrounding the choir and the sanctuary, according to the website for Notre Dame de Paris.
The Associated Press reported that $19 million was set aside in 1991 for a restoration project to replace loose stones on the cathedral.
Nine bronze bells were made in 2013, the church’s 850th anniversary, in order to replace deteriorating artifacts.
Sixteen copper statues were removed from the spire on Friday as part of a restoration effort that was estimated to cost more than $900,000, Agence France Presse reported.
"A lot of people are crying," one witness told NBC News.
Flames engulfed the historic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on Monday, with billowing smoke seen from miles away in the French capital.
The flames appeared to be around scaffolding, high at the top of the famous church where $6.8 million in renovations were being done.
At least one of the church's spires has fallen and France 24 reported that the roof has collapsed.
The spire destroyed by the fire contained artifacts considered sacred to Catholics, including a relic believed to be from Jesus Christ's crown of thorns. Relics from Saint Genevieve and Saint Denis are also feared lost.
Download the NBC News app for breaking news and updates on the Notre Dame fire.
"Everything is burning, nothing will remain from the frame," Notre Dame spokesman Andre Finot told French media.
Onlookers were in tears as they witnessed flames destroying one of Paris' most famed and popular landmarks.
"A lot of people are crying," witness Carolyn Marguiles told NBC News in a phone interview moments before she spotted the roof falling. "Oh my God, it just fully collapsed!"
French President Emmanuel Macron canceled a scheduled speech to deal with the ongoing fire. He said this was an emotional night for Catholics and all of France.
"Our Lady of Paris is in flames," Macron said in a statement on Twitter. "Emotion for the whole nation. A thought for all Catholics and for all French. Like all our countrymen, I'm sad tonight to see this part of us burn."
No deaths were immediately reported from the massive blaze, Paris police said.
"A terrible fire is underway at Notre Dame Cathedral," Mayor Anne Hidalgo tweeted. She called on Parisians to stay away from the area to allow firefighters to do their work.
'Entire roof is collapsed in': Witness described Notre Dame damage
April 15, 2019 / 03:05
Even President Donald Trump urged Paris firefighters to do everything they could to douse flames.
"So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris," he tweeted. "Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!"
The house of worship, with roots dating back to the 12th century, is considered one of the world's greatest examples of French Gothic architecture.
Construction of Notre Dame began in 1163 under the reign of King Louis VII, and the first stone was laid in the presence of Pope Alexander III.
The landmark was not considered complete until nearly 200 years later, however, with the installation of flying buttresses and a stone fence surrounding the choir and the sanctuary, according to the website for Notre Dame de Paris.
The Associated Press reported that $19 million was set aside in 1991 for a restoration project to replace loose stones on the cathedral.
Nine bronze bells were made in 2013, the church’s 850th anniversary, in order to replace deteriorating artifacts.
Sixteen copper statues were removed from the spire on Friday as part of a restoration effort that was estimated to cost more than $900,000, Agence France Presse reported.
Looks pretty rough over there.
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