social media Is abuzz with heartbreaking images and memories of the world famous cathedral of Notre Dame, Paris, as it suffered a huge fire.
The iconic 850-year-old Gothic cathedral's spire and roof completely collapsed during the devastating fire, however the main structure, including its bell towers, have both been saved, according to officials.
President Macron called the fire a 'terrible tragedy' and the cause is not yet known, yet officials think it's linked to renovation work that began after cracks appeared in the stone, and that it was most probably an accident.
During the horrific blaze, people began sharing their memories of the iconic building that's been described as the 'symbol of a country'.
Many people got emotional.
So heartbreaking...many special memories of that place, from visiting for the first time on my high school French c… https://t.co/uuqAX2VCBn— Elizabeth Wydra (@Elizabeth Wydra) 1555356727
Others mourned for our 'collective history'.
And shared their amazing photographs of the landmark.
This photo hangs in our home. It was taken in the summer of ‘87 on an old Canon film camera. Can’t stop looking at… https://t.co/jnaqNzxo7h— Rick Dayton (@Rick Dayton) 1555372646
Always been so proud of this photo. Timed exposure. Took it at 3:30 A.M. Paris time, August 1, 2012. Couldn’t sl… https://t.co/u1CJneCvlF— Michael Barkann (@Michael Barkann) 1555351922
Some thought of Quasimodo.
One of my favorite tidbits from my trip to Europe is the Quasimodo sculpture on the exterior of Notre Dame. The ide… https://t.co/BTJWeAOvK9— Mamasaurus Jess 🦖 (@Mamasaurus Jess 🦖) 1555351770
As well as their holiday snaps.
So sad to see the scenes of #notredame today. Fond memories on honeymoon last year. https://t.co/dL24sDxIOv— Ben De'Ath (@Ben De'Ath) 1555381798
One even shared a touching photograph of what appears to be a father and child taken just minutes before the fire began.
I took this photo as we were leaving #NotreDame about an hour before it caught on fire. I almost went up to the dad… https://t.co/D84QmLpjd0— Brooke Windsor (@Brooke Windsor) 1555372811
As well as a large reaction from the public, the tragedy has also garnered responses from world leaders, as well as the Vatican that expressed its 'shock and sadness' at the news.
In a tweet, UK prime minister Theresa May said:
My thoughts are with the people of France tonight and with the emergency services who are fighting the terrible blaze at Notre-Dame cathedral.
My thoughts are with the people of France tonight and with the emergency services who are fighting the terrible bla… https://t.co/IZJFuUbO8G— Theresa May (@Theresa May) 1555356823
Germany's chancellor Angela Merkel offered her support, calling the Notre Dame a...
...symbol of French and European culture.
More: How newspapers around the world are reacting to the Notre Dame fire
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