NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris collapsed after being engulfed in flames Monday, causing untold damage to the 856-year-old building.
The Paris Fire Chief says the structure of the cathedral has been saved and the fire stopped from spreading to the northern tower.
However, the fire claimed the cathedral's spire. Video from Paris showed the iconic spire fall as it was consumed.
The building dates back to the 12th century. The heartbreaking fire is impacting people at Nashville's at the St. Patrick Catholic Church.
Father John Hammond says its has been difficult to watch the images of the fire, especially since this is Holy Week - the week leading up to Easter.
As smoke and flames ripped through the Notre Dame Cathedral, efforts were made to save artwork housed inside.
The cathedral sees millions of visitors each year. It is also a functioning church, and thousands of people were expected to visit the cathedral in the days leading up to Easter.
Father Hammond says he had an opportunity to celebrate mass once at Notre Dame, and played the organ there. He says seeing a place with so much history, art and culture destroyed is hard to process.
"Certainly, I think for our part, we want the people in Paris to know our hearts go out to them. We are also in pain, because in addition to being their church it is a treasure of the whole world," he said.
It's unclear what started the fire. One firefighter was injured in the fire. Officials on scene say it appears to be accidental.
