In pictures: Blaze at iconic Paris cathedral

Updated / Tuesday, 16 Apr 2019 14:21
The cause of the fire is unknown, but officials say it was possibly linked to ongoing restoration work
The cause of the fire is unknown, but officials say it was possibly linked to ongoing restoration work

Notre-Dame Cathedral was engulfed by a roaring blaze yesterday that devastated the Parisian landmark, a searing loss for the city and for France.

Flames that began in the early evening burst through the roof of the centuries-old cathedral and engulfed the spire, which collapsed, quickly followed by the entire roof. 

A huge plume of smoke wafted across the city and ash fell over a large area. Parisians watched on, many of them lost for words.

Major fire devastates Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris
Firefighters bring massive blaze at Notre-Dame Cathedral under control

General view of the interior of the cathedral as flames are burning the roof
General view of the interior of the cathedral as flames are burning the roof
The fire broke out yesterday afternoon and quickly spread across the building, collapsing the spire
The fire broke out yesterday afternoon and quickly spread across the building, collapsing the spire
People pray and look on as firefighters douse flames to extinguish the fire
People pray and look on as firefighters douse flames to extinguish the fire
The fire started in the late afternoon in one of the most visited monuments of the French capital
The fire started in the late afternoon in one of the most visited monuments of the French capital
People react as they look at the firemen operations as the flames burn the roof of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris
People react as they look at the firemen operations as the flames burn the roof of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris
French President Emmanuel Macron (C) and his wife Brigitte Macron (R) pay a visit to firefighters at the scene
French President Emmanuel Macron (C) and his wife Brigitte Macron (R) pay a visit to firefighters at the scene
The blaze wiped out centuries of priceless heritage central to French culture and history
The blaze wiped out centuries of priceless heritage central to French culture and history
Firefighters in the remains of the Notre-Dame Cathedral following the fire which destroyed much of the building
Firefighters in the remains of the Notre-Dame Cathedral following the fire which destroyed much of the building
A handout photo made available by the Brigade de Sapeurs-Pompiers de Paris shows French firefighters in operation
A handout photo made available by the Brigade de Sapeurs-Pompiers de Paris shows French firefighters in operation
The Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris this morning
The Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris this morning
A crowd of people look over towards the remains of the 850-year-old UNESCO world heritage landmark
A crowd of people look over towards the remains of the 850-year-old UNESCO world heritage landmark

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