Just before Macron was about to make adressed nation speech... Now cancelled....
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A fire has broken out at the famous Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris and has spread rapidly across the building.
The cause is not yet clear, but officials say that it could be linked to renovation work.
A major operation to tackle the blaze is under way at the 850-year-old Gothic building, but the cathedral's spire and roof have collapsed.
Last year, the Catholic Church in France appealed for funds to save the building, which was crumbling.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who is on his way to the scene, said his thoughts were with "all Catholics and all French people."
"Like all of my countrymen, I am sad tonight to see this part of us burn."
Mr Macron has cancelled his planned speech to the nation following the fire, an Élysée Palace official said.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-47941794
Viking