‘850 years of history taken down in 5 minutes’: Outpouring of emotion as Notre Dame spire collapses

The world is looking on in horror this evening as Notre Dame in Paris continues to burn.

The iconic cathedral in the French capital caught alight earlier this afternoon. Its spire collapsed after 7pm when flames burst through the roof.

Last moments of the #NotreDame spire https://t.co/sdlvBYcJ2o pic.twitter.com/RGtMbGLNtF

— Jim Pickard (@PickardJE) April 15, 2019

A major firefighting operation is under way and the area has been evacuated. Dropping water from helicopters to extinguish the blaze has been ruled out as the weight of the water would cause the entire building to collapse, according to France's civil defence and crisis management agency. There are no reports of any casualties. Crowds have gathered as the blaze ravaged the 850-year-old structure. Reports say that the thousands of onlookers have begun to sing hymns. There has been an emotional reaction to the fire online, with many sharing favourite memories of visiting the cathedral.

It took 200 years to be completely built.

850 years of history Taken down in fire in a matter of 5 minutes ?? #NotreDame pic.twitter.com/hAamdywofc — Tomas Perez (@Tomasperez231) April 15, 2019

I'm spechless ... 900 years of history . Paris / France my heart is with you ??#NotreDame pic.twitter.com/pdQHfxOs29

— Dreamland (@Dreamla51808866) April 15, 2019

Let's never forget the beauty that was #NotreDame, even if it is renovated after the flames are put out. ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/JiEhfcT6JL

— Tadgh Brennan ?️‍? (@TheTadghB) April 15, 2019

The world stands helpless as history disappears before our eyes. Devastating!!! #NotreDame pic.twitter.com/6mxCOXS9gP

— Wendy Davies (@JustWendy6) April 15, 2019

so sad to see what happened in #NotreDame de Paris. 800 years of history is erased. pic.twitter.com/5N2iO7P8Ej

— Yasmeen Ghaddar (@GhaddarYasmeen) April 15, 2019

The landmark, which has made up part of the city's skyline for over 850 years, had been undergoing renovations. The fire is believed to be related to this building work.