Thread: Notre Dame cathedral in Paris engulfed by devastating fire

A major fire has broken out at Paris's famous medieval Notre Dame cathedral, leading firefighters to evacuate the area around one of the city's most visited landmarks.

Smoke could be seen billowing from the top of the gothic cathedral, as flames spread from the cathedrals two bell towers toward its giant spire, which has collapsed.



It was not immediately clear what had caused the fire, which drew crowds of people to gather in nearby squares.

Notre Dame was in the midst of renovations, with some sections under scaffolding, while bronze statues were removed last week for works.

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