- The spire on top of the Notre-Dame Cathedral has collapsed in the middle of a raging fire.
- Videos of the spire falling have been circulating around the internet.
- Though it was a later addition to the building, the spire is one of the most recognizable parts of the landmark church.
The famous spire that topped Paris’s historic Notre-Dame Cathedral has collapsed.
The structure fell at around 8 p.m. local time in the middle of a raging fire that engulfed the church on Monday. Thousands a viewers watched parts of the building crumble on online livestreams.
Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of France’s most renowned monuments, originally finished in the 12th century. The spire, which was originally built as a bell tower, has been standing since 1852. It was adorned with copper statues of the 12 apostles of the New Testament.
Read more: The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is on fire – and now the entire frame is burning
Videos of the spire's collapse made the rounds on social media.
BREAKING VIDEO! THE SPIRE AT THE NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL HAS JUST COLLAPSED.pic.twitter.com/p1zTyPNXXD
— Breaking News Feed (@pzf) April 15, 2019
La flèche de Notre-Dame vient de s'effondrer sous les exclamations horrifiées des gens #NotreDame pic.twitter.com/kfLNt7rhsZ
— Wladimir Garcin-Berson (@vladogb) April 15, 2019
The spire just collapsed #NotreDame #fire pic.twitter.com/v50rHQChN0
— Meraphetamine (@MyMeraphetamine) April 15, 2019
The moment #NotreDame’s spire fell pic.twitter.com/XUcr6Iob0b
— Patrick Galey (@patrickgaley) April 15, 2019
The fire broke out at around 6:50 p.m. local time. The cause is still unclear, although the building was reportedly undergoing renovations. French authorities confirmed that firefighters and first responders are on the scene.
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