Horror and sadness as Notre Dame burns in Paris
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 faรงade 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.
Parisians sing a hymn while the #notredame cathedral was on fire ๐ pic.twitter.com/1uSh8kRDkl
— Ousama ๐ฆ๐ช (@OusamaBinGharib) April 15, 2019
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.
I took this photo as we were leaving #NotreDame about an hour before it caught on fire. I almost went up to the dad and asked if he wanted it. Now I wish I had. Twitter if you have any magic, help him find this ๐๐ผ pic.twitter.com/pEu33ubqCK
— Brooke Windsor (@brookeawindsor) April 16, 2019
CURIOUS FACT:
— ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐๐ข๐จ;๐ (@cubansflex) April 16, 2019
"The gargoyles that were known to take care of Notre Dame Cathedral were removed a week ago for remodeling, the today is on fire, because there was no one to take care of it." #NotreDameFire pic.twitter.com/gHZCpBR779
My heart is broken after seeing #NotreDame on fire, all that history, all that art... It's just gone. This is such a tragedy. I hope the fire is put out before anyone gets hurt. Right now we must show our support to the French people. Brothers, please stay strong. #PrayForFrance pic.twitter.com/3ThLzNqhwV
— Illegirl (@sta_te_briga101) April 15, 2019
while youโre praying, lighting candles, etc. for Notre Dame and France today, donโt forget that the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem was also on fire at the very same time.
— nicky tyler (she/they) (@nickyoflaherty) April 16, 2019
send up good thoughts for both places and their people.