It sounds unbelievable but it's true. One of the oldest and most beautiful cathedrals in the world, Notre Dame de Paris has been severely damaged after a fire broke out yesterday at 18:50 local time, about an hour and twenty minutes after maintenance work was completed inside. As of last night, the workers who participated in the works are giving statements to the Fire Brigade, whose special investigators are looking for the causes of the untold disaster.
The research focuses on the construction company Le Bras Freres, in northeastern France, as well as the equipment used for the work on the 820-year-old cathedral.
Paris prosecutor Remy Hage stressed that the authorities are oriented towards the scenario of the accident, emphasizing that fifty people are working on the case which will be "long and complicated" until it is clarified.
Noighi City Councilor Philip Carsendi was quick to accuse the Macron government of misrepresenting the accident. In an interview with the American network Fox News, Philippe Carcedi compared September 11 with the destruction of the historic building: "Even if no one was killed, it is like September 11 in France. It is shocking (…) We should know that churches are vandalized every week. "Of course, our politicians want us to believe that this is an accident."
(Photo: EPA / Ian Landgdson)
Fortunately, the treasures were saved
Earlier, the mayor of Paris, Ann Indalgo, thanked those who responded via Twitter and formed a human chain at the risk of their lives, protecting the irreplaceable objects inside the church - among them the "Thorn wreath" placed on the head of the church. was on the cross.
"The 'crown of thorns', the St. Louis tunic and other magnificent works of art are now in a safe place," Indalgo wrote. The "Thorn Wreath" consists of about 70 thorns and is surrounded by a golden thread. The piece, believed to come from the Cross on which Jesus was crucified, was acquired by the Byzantine Empire in 1238 and transported to Paris by Louis XI of France. Among the great works of art found in Notre Dame de Paris were the three glass windows on the west, north and south sides of the cathedral. At the same time, the Grand Institution of Our Lady of Paris, which dates from the 13th century and was restored only in the early 1990s, is considered the most famous in the world with five rows of keys.
The restoration work
According to the plan, the restoration work would take up to four years, but it will now take many years to complete. French President Emmanuel Macron has said he will launch a nationwide fundraiser for the reconstruction of the Gothic temple. "We will turn to the greatest talents and rebuild the Notre Dame de Paris, because that is what the French are waiting for, because that is what our history is worth, because it is our deepest destiny."
Businessmen François Pino and Bernard Arno have already announced that they will give 100 million euros and 200 million euros respectively for the purpose of reconstruction.
"Europe is hurt. France was hurt. "Paris was hurt," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker told MEPs in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. "I want to address words of consolation and solidarity to the French nation as a whole in the aftermath of the tragedy in Paris. You will also rebuild your church. From Strasbourg, the French capital of the EU, I call on all 28 Member States to take part in this project. I know that France can do it alone, but here more than practical help is at stake. The fire in the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has made us realize again that we are committed to something more important and deeper than the agreements, "promised European Council President Donald Tusk. For his part, European Parliament President Antonio Tagiani called on 751 MEPs to donate their wages to this end.