BBC News is reporting a massive blaze has engulfed the roof of the world-famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris France; saying the fire may be the result of recent renovations on the centuries old building.
“Images on social media show plumes of smoke billowing into the air above the the 850-year-old Gothic building,” reports the BBC. “Last year, the Catholic Church in France launched an urgent appeal for funds to save the cathedral, which was starting to crumble.”
#BREAKING Paris mayor laments "terrible fire" at Notre-Dame Cathedral pic.twitter.com/nuR68rHa7Z
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) April 15, 2019
Pictures from across Paris show Notre-Dame ablaze after the fire reportedly broke out in the building's attic https://t.co/S6GIzRSnKA pic.twitter.com/gksCsxOjYw
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) April 15, 2019
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
New ‘Yellow Vest’ Protests ROCK Paris, 'Riots' Reported on Champs-Elysees
A new series of ‘Yellow Vest’ protests rocked Paris Saturday with authorities confirming reports of looting and violence along the iconic Champs-Elysees; marking the 18th week demonstrators have marched against the French government’s crippling taxes and lack of fuel across the country.
“French yellow vest protesters set life-threatening fires, smashed up luxury stores in Paris and clashed with police Saturday in the 18th straight weekend of demonstrations against President Emmanuel Macron. Large plumes of smoke rose above the rioting on Paris’ landmark Champs-Elysees avenue,” reports the Associated Press.
“The resurgent violence comes at a watershed moment for a movement, which had been fizzling in recent weeks, and at the end of a two-month-long national debate called by Macron that protesters say failed to answer their demands for economic justice,” adds the report.
CHAOS IN PARIS: French Paramedics, First Responders, Students Join Fuel Protests
The widespread protests sweeping Paris escalated Monday as first responders and students joined the massive demonstrations against gasoline shortages and a lack of fuel throughout the country.
“Anti-government protesters gained new allies Monday as French paramedics and students joined ongoing rallies while the prime minister met with political rivals in a bid to ease the anger following riots that rocked Paris,” writes the Associated Press.
Paris – Blocage surprise de plusieurs centaines d’ambulances devant l’Assemblée Nationale et sur la place de la Concorde. pic.twitter.com/VaVXp5Fe04
— Remy Buisine (@RemyBuisine) December 3, 2018
“On Saturday, more than 130 people were injured and 412 arrested in the French capital amid one of the worst waves of unrest in the country in recent years. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons, closing down dozens of streets and subway stations to contain the riot,” adds the AP.
The “Yellow Vest” movement -named after the bright jackets worn by emergency workers and construction crews across France- rocked Paris over the weekend; injuring more than 100 and leading to the arrests of 400 individuals.
Read the full story at the Associated Press.
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