Fire Erupts in Spire of Rouen's Notre Dame Cathedral, Black Smoke Seen, Evacuation Ordered

Jul 11, 2024, 10:55 AM

A fire has erupted in the spire of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Rouen, France. The Gothic cathedral, one of the country's most important cultural heritage sites, was undergoing building works at the time of the fire, which involved large scaffolding structures. The fire has led to the evacuation of the cathedral and the establishment of a security cordon around the site. Local authorities have confirmed that there are no victims at this stage, but the extent of the damage remains unknown. Television images showed black smoke billowing from the spire. The cathedral, which dates back nearly 1000 years and was completed around 1200, has been a significant landmark in Normandy. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.