NEW DELHI: The spire of the iconic gothic cathedral in the French city of Rouen was engulfed in flames on Thursday, evoking painful memories of the devastating fire that ravaged Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris just a few years ago.
The Rouen cathedral, one of France's finest, was undergoing renovation work with scaffolding and a white cover surrounding the spire when the fire broke out. Television footage showed a dark plume of smoke rising from the cathedral's iconic spire as onlookers in the streets below watched in horror.
The local prefecture has confirmed that the cathedral has been evacuated and emergency services are on the scene working to extinguish the blaze.
So far, there are no reports of any casualties, but the extent of the damage remains unclear.
Mayor of Rouen Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol said authorities have not been able to ascertain the cause of the fire.
The Rouen cathedral, a masterpiece of gothic architecture, was famously painted several times by the renowned impressionist artist Claude Monet in the 19th century, capturing its stunning beauty.
This latest fire is a devastating blow, coming just years after the tragic Notre-Dame fire that shocked the world.
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