A horrifying blaze has comsumed part of the 856-year-old Notre Dame Cathedral in the heart of Paris.
As Parisians and tourists looked on in shock, firefighters battled a massive blaze at the French capital's iconic structure.
Fierce flames and black smoke billowed from the base of the medieval church's spire. It eventually toppled.
First responders rushed to save holy relics.
The cathedral is home to hundreds of works of art and is one of the world's most famous tourist attractions.
The peak of the gothic church is undergoing a $6.8-million renovation project.
French media quoted the Paris fire brigade saying the fire is "potentially linked" to the renovation work.