The cathedral is particularly well-known because it has been depicted in several works by the French impressionist painter Claude Monet.
Images televised by BFM showed a plume of black smoke rising above the Gothic cathedral and people in the streets looking up in terror. The scene was reminiscent of the devastating fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in 2019, which also broke out during maintenance and restoration work.
The temple spire is surrounded by scaffolding and has been covered for weeks.
The prefect of the area stated that the temple has been evacuated and that the emergency services are on the scene. According to him, there are no reports of casualties nor a clear picture of the extent of the damage.
BREAKING:
A fire has erupted in the spire of the Notre Dame Cathedral in the French city Rouen.
It’s one of France’s most beautiful and important cathedrals.
Work started on it in 1080 and it was finished around 1200.
— Visegrad 24 (@visegrad24) July 11, 2024
HAPPENING NOW
Notre-Dame de Rouen Cathedral in Normandy is on fire.pic.twitter.com/VheIQW6bzo
— Kosher (@KosherCockney) July 11, 2024
FRANCE | A huge #fire broke out this Thursday, July 11 morning at the spire of the cathedral of the city of #Rouen (capital of the northern French region of #Normandy). Fire crews called to the scene. The origin of the fire remains unknown at this time. pic.twitter.com/uZ4gAjKl8L
— Nanana365 (@nanana365media) July 11, 2024
#Fire #Rouen #Cathedral
