• 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.

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.