A massive fire has engulfed the historic Rouen Cathedral in France, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky.
Video footage shows the 1,000-year-old gothic structure ablaze, with flames roaring up around its iconic spire. The building was swiftly evacuated, and security set up a perimeter until firefighters arrived at the scene.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, which started near the top of the cathedral where construction work was reportedly underway this morning. Rouen mayor, Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol, assured the public that all available resources are being mobilized.
Approximately 33 fire engines and 63 firefighters battled the blaze, with no injuries reported. The incident has severely disrupted public transport in the surrounding area, according to BFM TV.
The cathedral holds significant historical value in France and was depicted several times by renowned painter Claude Monet in the 19th century. It was undergoing a seven-year restoration project initiated in 2017, overseen by France’s ministry of culture.
This fire is the latest in a series of devastating incidents affecting France’s iconic buildings, following the 2019 fire at Notre Dame Cathedral, believed to have been caused by an electrical short-circuit during renovation work.
