The devastating Notre Dame Cathedral fire, in 13 photos

Stunning images of the iconic gothic landmark in Paris, France, engulfed in flames.

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.

Images on social media later showed the cathedral’s spire collapsing, swallowed up by the blaze.

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.

Flames and smoke are seen billowing from the roof at Notre Dame Cathedral on April 15, 2019, in Paris, France. — Flames and smoke are seen billowing from the roof of the Notre Dame Cathedral.

People watch the landmark Notre Dame Cathedral burning in central Paris on April 15, 2019. — People watch the landmark cathedral burning in central Paris.

Smoke and flames rise during a fire at the Notre Dame Cathedral in central Paris on April 15, 2019, potentially involving renovation work being carried out at the site, the fire service said. — The cause of the fire is still unclear, but it could involve the renovation work being carried out at the site, the fire service said.

Flames and smoke are seen billowing from the roof at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on April 15, 2019. — Flames and smoke are seen billowing from the roof at Notre Dame Cathedral.

A woman reacts as she watches flames engulf the roof of the Notre Dame Cathedral.

Hundreds gather in central Paris to watch smoke and flames rise from a fire at Notre Dame Cathedral on April 15, 2019. — Hundreds gather in central Paris to watch smoke and flames rise at the cathedral.

A massive column of smoke rises from the Notre Dame Cathedral in central Paris, France, on April 15, 2019. — A massive column of smoke rises from the Notre Dame Cathedral in central Paris, France.

A woman reacts as she watches the flames engulf the roof of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on April 15, 2019. — A woman reacts as she watches the flames engulf the roof.

A huge column of smoke stands above the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris as what the mayor of the French capital described as a “terrible fire.” — A huge column of smoke stands above what the mayor of the French capital described as a “terrible fire.”

Firefighters douse flames and smoke billowing from the roof at Notre Dame Cathedral. — Firefighters douse flames and smoke billowing from the roof of the cathedral.

Flames and smoke are seen billowing from the roof of the Notre Dame Cathedral. — Flames and smoke are seen billowing from the roof.

A shot of central Paris shows flames and smoke billowing from the roof at Notre Dame Cathedral. — A view of the flames rising from Ile de la Cité in central Paris.

Source: https://www.vox.com/world/2019/4/15/18311852/notre-dame-cathedral-fire-spire-collapse-photos-pictures-paris-france