President Donald Trump of the United States of America was among the earliest world figures to raise concern over the fire incident on the 12th Century Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on Monday.
Trump had suggested that flying water tankers be deployed without delay to avoid much ruin from the inferno.
The massive fire broke out at the Cathedral in central Paris on Monday afternoon, sent flames shooting out of the roof of the iconic landmark.
Fire officials told Agence France-Press that the fire was potentially linked to the renovation of the building and is believed to have started in the attic.
Dramatic images posted to social media showed the roof of the medieval cathedral engulfed in flames. Smoke could be seen billowing from miles away.
Thomas Vampouille✔@tomvampouille
Le feu s’étend à toute la toiture #NotreDamedeParis pic.twitter.com/42wcwKJ3na
The foundation stone for the cathedral was laid by Pope Alexander III in 1163 and construction took over two decades.
It survived the French Revolution in the late 18th century and benefited from a surge in popularity following the publication of Victor Hugo’s “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” in 1831.
President Trump, who was traveling from Washington, D.C., to Minnesota aboard Air Force One, saw the images, which were being broadcast across all three U.S. cable news channels.
Donald J. Trump✔@realDonaldTrump
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!
Hundreds of people gathered in the streets below in horror to watch the blaze, some in tears, others simply shouting its name.
A CNN International correspondent said that blowing cinders were falling on their heads.
.Yahoo.com