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France basilica fire: Saint-Donatien in Nantes engulfed France basilica fire: Saint-Donatien in Nantes engulfed
(35 minutes later)
A huge fire has engulfed the 19th Century basilica of Saint-Donatien in the city of Nantes in western France.A huge fire has engulfed the 19th Century basilica of Saint-Donatien in the city of Nantes in western France.
The blaze broke out on Monday after morning Mass, with worshippers evacuated from the building, Rev Benoit Bertrand told local media.The blaze broke out on Monday after morning Mass, with worshippers evacuated from the building, Rev Benoit Bertrand told local media.
Around 40 firefighters were deployed to the scene to try to extinguish the flames. Around 40 firefighters worked to extinguish the flames, which are believed to have originated on the roof where work was being carried out.
However the fire spread quickly, ravaging the rooftop of the historic building. Two workers escaped from the top of the building unharmed.
The blaze reportedly broke out at 10:30 local time (08:30 GMT), but the cause has not yet been established. The Mayor of Nantes Johanna Rolland said the basilica was "an important symbol" for the Catholic community.
"I see flames still escaping," Rev Bertrand told BFM television. In a statement on Facebook (in French) she also thanked firefighters for their "rapid and brave action".
Social media users shared images of the basilica, with smoke billowing from its rooftop. The blaze broke out at around 10:30 local time (08:30 GMT) and may have been linked to "waterproofing work", according to the city's chief fire officer.
The roof has been severely damaged and efforts are now underway to save several precious objects inside the basilica, most notably its organ.
Social media users shared images of the burning building on Twitter, showing smoke billowing from its rooftop.
The basilica dates back to the 19th Century and is dedicated to the religious martyrs St Donatien and St Rogatien.
Another of the city's religious sites, Nantes Cathedral, suffered similar damage during a fire in 1972. It has since been restored.
Are you in Nantes? Did you see the Saint-Donatien basilica fire? Email your eyewitness accounts to haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Are you in Nantes? Did you see the Saint-Donatien basilica fire? Email your eyewitness accounts to haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
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