Rouen cathedral in flames: Firefighters battle blaze in historic monument
11 July 2024 08:14
Local authorities reported on platform X on Thursday that the Rouen Cathedral was on fire. Flames have engulfed the tower's spire, and over 60 firefighters are battling the blaze. People have been evacuated from the cathedral, and the cause of the fire is not yet known.
The spire of the famous French cathedral in Rouen caught fire, as informed by the city's mayor, Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol, on platform X. "All public resources have been mobilized," he wrote.
The authorities cordoned off the church for safety reasons. Earlier, all people who were in the cathedral were evacuated. According to Sky News, over 60 firefighters are battling the blaze.
More videos are emerging online showing black smoke rising above the cathedral.
There are also recordings of huge flames erupting from the spire.
As seen in the videos and reported by local media, the fire broke out in the part that is currently undergoing renovation.
The cathedral from Monet's paintings
The Rouen Cathedral is recognizable because it was painted many times by the French impressionist painter Claude Monet in the 19th century.
The spire itself is one of the tallest in Europe and the tallest in France.
Source: PAP/Sky News/WP
