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A SPECTACULAR BLAZE ravaged the roof of a 19th century basilica in western France today, causing major damage but no injuries, authorities said.
The fire in Nantes is “probably linked to waterproofing work that was taking place on the roof,” said the city’s chief fire officer, who added the blaze had been “contained” by mid-morning.
Some 60 firefighters attacked the inferno at the basilica Saint-Donatien, which broke out around 10.45am local time.
Two workers on the roof when the blaze broke out were left unhurt. The back part of the basilica has been seriously damaged and some of the wooden beams have given way, authorities said.
Firefighters are now scrambling to save some of the precious objects inside the basilica, notably the organ.
- © AFP 2015.
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Really terrible to see such beautiful architecture damaged like this. Happily nobody was killed or injured.
If the restoration of the damage done by the absolutely devastating fire at St Mél’s in Longford is anything to go by it is possible that it can be restored if the funds are available.
Pity
So upsetting.
“NOTABLY” the organ,…. nice pun :-)
Holy Smoke!
Where was the big ,an in the sky when all this was going down. Or maybe its true, god hates the french
@Stephen – Silly comment. Bad things happen, therefore God doesn’t exist logic, which is not logic at all. Beautiful cathedral – I was there some years ago.
Stephen, it’s a shame that a nice building is on fire. As an atheist, it’s as relevant to me as a mosque, synagogue or pyramid but it’s still a nice piece of architecture.
Lighten up folks, no pun intended
The devil strikes again.
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