To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Notre-Dame Cathedral Fire 'Most Likely Caused By Electrical Short Circuit'

Notre-Dame Cathedral Fire 'Most Likely Caused By Electrical Short Circuit'

An electric short-circuit was the 'most likely' cause of the blaze

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

The Notre-Dame Cathedral fire could have started as a result of an electrical short-circuit, according to investigators.

According to the MailOnline, these claims have come anonymously from a French judicial police official despite there being no access to the landmark yet due to safety reasons.

The fire broke out at around 6.40pm on Monday (15 April) and firefighters managed to 'save and preserve' the main structure although parts of the historic building in Paris, France, have been gutted.

The Paris prosecutors' office ruled out arson and possible terror-related motives - it is now being treated as an accident.

Experts inspect the damaged Notre Dame cathedral after the fire in Paris.
PA
A picture taken on April 16, 2019 shows the altar surrounded by charred debris inside the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
PA

Thankfully, all precious artefacts and artwork have been saved from the historic building, according to a Notre Dame cathedral priest.

According to the BBC, these items included what is claimed to be the crown of thorns worn by Jesus before his crucifixion and also a tunic, which King Louis IX is said to have worn when he delivered the crown of thorns to Paris.

In a tweet, French journalist Nicolas Delesalle cited Père Frédéric, writing: "Good news: all the works of art were saved. The treasure of the Cathedral is intact, the Crown of thorns, the Holy sacraments."

A photo from inside the cathedral.
PA

French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to rebuild the 850-year-old landmark saying that the 'worst has been avoided'.

He explained: "We'll rebuild this cathedral all together and it's undoubtedly part of the French destiny and the project we'll have for the coming years. That's what the French expect [and] because it's what our history deserves."

At the time of the inferno, mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, described the fire as 'terrible' and urged people to stay away from the blaze.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo attends during French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech during thanks to the firefighters who intervened at Notre Dame Cathedral.
PA

She said: "A terrible fire is underway at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. The @PompiersParis are trying to control the flames. We are mobilised on the spot in close connection with the @dioceseParis. I ask everyone to respect the security perimeter."

The construction of Notre Dame - which means 'Our Lady' - began in 1160 and was mostly completed a hundred years later in 1260. It has been modified on numerous occasions throughout the centuries since.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: World News, News

I'm Becky - a journalist at LADbible. I graduated with a First Class BA in Journalism before going on to cover criminal court cases, medical tribunals and breaking news for the national media - which inevitably and eventually became as glum as it sounds. Can often be found rocking a bag for life - which I made a 'thing' way before Rihanna. You can contact me at [email protected]

X

@RJShepherd94