First images emerge from inside Notre Dame after devastating fire
The first images from inside Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral have emerged after a catastrophic fire that engulfed the historic site.
Photos show firefighters gathering in the cathedral’s doorway as the blaze continues to burn into Tuesday morning.
One striking image shows three firefighters gaze along the cathedral’s nave as they assess the extensive damage. Piles of rubble can be seen on the ground.
While France’s Interior Ministry initially said firefighters might not be able to save the main structure, authorities announced late on Monday (local time) that the two main towers had been saved from significant damage.
Some 400 firefighters had been deployed to bring the fire under control which began about 6.50pm on Monday (local time).
Paris fire commander Jean-Claude Gallet revealed the extent of the damage, saying two thirds of the roof “has been ravaged”.
Photos from inside the cathedral’s towers show parts of the roof have fallen away.
Gallet confirmed one firefighter has been injured during attempts to extinguish the blaze. French media are reporting he is in a serious condition.
Despite the damage caused, President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to rebuild the iconic structure.
“We will rebuild it. All together. It is a part of our French destiny,” Macron said in a tweet.
The 12th-century cathedral is home to incalculable works of art and is one of the world’s most famous tourist attractions.
It is believed a number of artworks have been damaged in the fire, however the most significant relics, including the Crown of Thorns, have been recovered, local media reports.
Thousands of Parisians and tourists lined the banks of the Seine in a bid to capture a glimpse of the destruction, many taken aback by devastation caused to an international icon.
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