The iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, is burning in a massive fire that has already destroyed the monument’s spire and is threatening to consume the entire structure.
The blaze erupted at the centuries-old cathedral on Monday around 6:30 pm local time; news of the fire spread rapidly on social media as people shared photos showing bright-orange flames and smoke pouring from a spire of the church.
The cause of the fire is not yet clear, though police told the Guardian that it appeared to be an accident and linked to restoration work. The approximately 800-year-old church, which is one of Paris’s most cherished attractions, has been in desperate need of repairs and restoration.
The fire is still burning, and tourists were reportedly inside and had to be evacuated when the flames broke out. There have been no reports of any injuries so far, and fire crews are continuing to battle the blaze.
The images of the gothic cathedral engulfed in flames have captivated people around the world. Here are some of the most devastating photos from the scene of the fire.
