On Monday afternoon, the historic Notre Dame Cathedral was engulfed in flames — an incident that has spurred mourning both online and in the Paris streets, where people have coalesced to grieve the devastation of the iconic 12th-century landmark. While the story is developing, here’s what we know so far.
At approximately 6:50 p.m. local time, firefighters were dispatched to the Notre Dame Cathedral, out of which flames and black smoke were billowing. It wasn’t until 11:30 p.m. local time that the fire was reportedly contained.
Journalist was able to photograph the drone-feed of the French police.
Incunabula (@incunabula) April 15, 2019
In 2017, Time published a story about how the cathedral needed renovations desperately. But nobody could agree who should be paying for it. The government owns the building and leases it to the Church for free. But church is supposed to cover upkeep ...
Maggie Koerth-Baker (@maggiekb1) April 15, 2019
The North, South and West Rose windows are gone. Some of these windows have stood for 800 years, since the 13th century. This is unimaginable horror.
Incunabula (@incunabula) April 15, 2019
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.
Nicolas Delesalle (@KoliaDelesalle) April 15, 2019
In Paris, locals have gathered outside the cathedral to weep and mourn the devastation through hymns.
Ave Maria
Ignacio Gil (@Inaki_Gil) April 15, 2019
Notre-Dame is aflame. Great emotion for the whole nation. Our thoughts go out to all Catholics and to the French people. Like all of my fellow citizens, I am sad to see this part of us burn tonight.
Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 15, 2019
Notre Dame is one of the world’s great treasures, and we’re thinking of the people of France in your time of grief. It’s in our nature to mourn when we see history lost – but it’s also in our nature to rebuild for tomorrow, as strong as we can.
Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 15, 2019
Heartbreaking to see such tragic footage of Notre Dame right now. Sending solidarity to my friend Mayor and to the people of a city as resilient as our own. New York City is mourning with Paris.
Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) April 15, 2019