PARIS, France (WIAT) — Officials in Paris are treating the fire that destroyed most of Notre Dame Cathedral as an accident.
French media are reporting the Paris fire brigade to believe it was “potentially linked” to a renovation of the church.
The cross inside the cathedral of Notre Dame is still standing even after a fire ripped through the centuries-old building.
But its iconic spire eventually fell victim to the flames.
Dominique Bichon, an eyewitness, said “The spire started bending and crawling and, boof! We couldn’t just believe what we’re seeing. And then the flames went on and on and on.”
Most of the roof of the church is destroyed, but officials say the cathedral’s outer walls and two bell towers were salvaged.
400 firefighters battled to save the building.
They were still spraying water this morning.
Agathe Perreau, a Paris resident, said, “Notre Dame is not just a building, it’s the beating heart of Paris and seeing it like the open heart on the medical table, it’s heartbreaking.”
The mayor of Paris posted to Twitter that the crown of thorns and other major artifacts were saved.
It’s believed the crown was worn by Christ before the crucifixion.
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