Flames Rip Through Paris’ Iconic Notre Dame Cathedral: Celebs React
Flames ripped through one of the world’s most visited and treasured landmarks Monday as Paris’ famed Notre Dame cathedral caught fire and burned for several hours.
The centuries-old cathedral caught fire Monday evening, local time, just days before Easter. Authorities were investigating the cause of the blaze, and believe it was due to a $6.8M renovation going on in the landmark.
The infrastructure of the cathedral had been in decline recently, having survived since the 13th century and standing through historic events including the French Revolution. As the fire raged on, hundreds of Parisians and tourists took to the streets, singing hymns and praying together.
By Monday afternoon, the spire of the cathedral and the roof had both collapsed as firefighters scrambled to figure out a solution to contain the fire. According to NBC News, authorities feared that the cathedral — home to priceless works of art, stained glass windows and relics traced back to Jesus Christ — would not be able to be saved.
Thankfully, no deaths or injuries were reported and authorities worked tirelessly to keep the crowds at bay from one of the city’s top landmarks, which CNN reports attracts 13 million visitors annually.
Celebrities and social media users alike took to Twitter and Instagram Monday to express their sadness at watching the landmark’s destruction in real time.
Check out some of the heartbreaking tributes below:
So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2019
I cannot believe what’s happening to Notre Dame.
— Idris Elba (@idriselba) April 15, 2019
Interrupting my birthday to express how much pain I’m in watching the Notre Dame fire unfold. Such an incredible building. I’m so sad
— Maisie Williams (@Maisie_Williams) April 15, 2019
I’m weeping. Our gift of light. Notre Dame on fire. My heart is breaking. My grandmother’s and mother’s heart home.
— Laura Dern (@LauraDern) April 15, 2019
Feel profoundly sad about this... so much lost in a few seconds ... I am praying (which I don’t do often) for the fire to be contained soon .... utterly heartbreaking https://t.co/VnRPHdHOFs
— Ellie Goulding (@elliegoulding) April 15, 2019
Standing here next to you, heartsick for Notre Dame...
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) April 15, 2019
my heart is breaking seeing the fire at notre dame. I’ll never forget walking in the first time in Paris and being in awe of the beauty of it. 💔
— camila (@Camila_Cabello) April 15, 2019
Very sad to see the Cathedral of Notre Dame in flames. Such a magnificent and iconic structure. I hope everyone is safe and my heart goes out to the French people.
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) April 15, 2019
Im in utter shock watching the terrible sights on TV. #NotreDame cathedral is on fire and we are watching as the world is about to lose this 850 year old historical, iconic and beautiful world heritage building. Huge huge loss pic.twitter.com/NIrmYpubq7
— Luke Evans (@TheRealLukevans) April 15, 2019
Feel profoundly sad about this... so much lost in a few seconds ... I am praying (which I don’t do often) for the fire to be contained soon .... utterly heartbreaking https://t.co/VnRPHdHOFs
— Ellie Goulding (@elliegoulding) April 15, 2019