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Horror and sadness as Notre Dame burns in Paris

16 April 2019 - 08:18 By Jessica Levitt
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Seen from across the Seine River, smoke and flames rise during a fire at the landmark Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris on April 15, 2019.
Seen from across the Seine River, smoke and flames rise during a fire at the landmark Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris on April 15, 2019.
Image: Francois Guillot/AFP

 

French president Emmanuel Macron has pledged to rebuild the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris after a fire gutted most of the structure on Monday night while the world watched in horror.

The fire was first reported just before 7pm. After battling the blaze for eight hours, firefighters managed to save the gothic façade and the two landmark towers of the structure.

The 90m (300ft) tall spire collapsed and the roof of the 850-year-old building also caved in.

Scenes from outside the burning structure captured the hearts of many, as locals and tourists gathered in prayer.

On social media, people expressed their shock and sadness, with many posting images of trips they had made to the cathedral prior to the devastating fire.

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