Nantes landmark ruined by fire

A FIRE has destroyed the roof of one of Nantes’ landmarks, the Saint-Donatien Basilica.

The blaze broke out at 10.30 this morning during Mass and worshippers were evacuated from the building.

More than 75 firefighters were called to tackle the fire which is thought to have started in the roof of the building where refurbishment work had been taking place.

The fire spread quickly and was visible across the city. As the 19th century building burned many people took to social media to voice their despair, including the former Mayor of Nantes and former Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault.

Incendie à la basilique Saint Donatien #nantes https://t.co/wAlTUzTROI— Maxime CLAVAL (@MaximeClaval) June 15, 2015

Fire fighters have brought the blaze under control however there are fears that the roof is so badly damaged that it may collapse.

In 1972 Nantes Cathedral was also damaged by fire.

La toiture de #saintdonatien
Photo SDIS44- Guillaume Triboulloy pic.twitter.com/Wc1r7aaTJ0— SDIS44 (@SDIS44) June 15, 2015

Horrible !!! L'église saint Donatien en flamme ! #nantes #incendie pic.twitter.com/v8ynxxxpca— Elodie Stella (@littlenantaise) June 15, 2015