15 Apr 2019 | 06:49 PM UTC
France: Widespread disruptions as fire continues at Notre-Dame (Paris) April 15 /update 1
Widespread disruptions reported in central Paris as fire continues at Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris April 15; avoid the area
Event
Authorities responding to a fire at Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris have reportedly established a security perimeter encompassing areas surrounding incident site on Monday evening (local time), April 15. Road closures are in effect for much of the 4th arrondissement and portions of the 5th arrondissement, including bridges and roads adjacent to the cathedral on the Île de la Cité, as more than 400 firefighters have responded to the blaze. Police have also closed the metro stations Cité, Cluny-La Sorbonne, and Saint-Michel Notre-Dame; metro lines 4 and 10, as well as the RER B, are bypassing the aforementioned stations. Officials indicate there are no immediate reports of injuries.
Continuing transportation disruptions and road closures are to be expected near the site of the fire over the coming hours.
Context
A fire broke out at Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris shortly before 19:00 on April 15. Unconfirmed reports claim the blaze began amid work to repair the cathedral's roof.
Advice
Individuals in Paris are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the area of the fire, prepare for associated transportation disruptions, and adhere to instructions issued by the local authorities. Further information on closures affecting Paris' public transportation can be found here.
