One of France’s most famous landmarks has been consumed by flames causing a terrible tragedy. The cathedral is considered to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture.

The fire quickly reached the roof of the cathedral, destroying its stained-glass windows, wooden interior before and iconic, but luckily the main structure, including the bell towers have been saved.

Many churches around Paris rang bells in response to the blaze and people gathered in the streets observing the flames in silence. Some people were openly crying while others said prayers.

Officials think that a possible electrical short-circuit is responsible for the burning of the cathedral.

“I have always wanted to go to the Notre Dame Cathedral because it holds a lot of religious symbolism and it breaks my heart to see it destroyed,” sophomore Kalkedan Gashaw said.

There is still hope for the cathedral that has embodies the heart of Paris for more than 800 years, President Emmanuel Macron pledged to rebuild the cathedral, starting with the launch of an international fundraising campaign.