Rouen Cathedral Fire: Accidental Cause Likely, Not Religious Attack
A fire at Rouen's historic cathedral sparked false claims of a religious attack. Officials suggest an accidental cause, with the blaze affecting only the spire's metal structure during ongoing renovations.
On July 11, 2024, a fire broke out at the historic Notre-Dame cathedral in Rouen, northern France, sparking a flurry of misinformation on social media platforms. Contrary to claims circulating online, there is no evidence suggesting the blaze was a result of a religious attack.
The incident at the renowned cathedral, which has stood for over 800 years, quickly became the subject of speculation. A video of the fire shared on X (formerly Twitter) garnered 1.1 million views, accompanied by unfounded assertions of a potential religious motive. Similar posts proliferated on Facebook, further fueling the spread of unverified information.
However, official sources have consistently pointed towards an accidental cause. The Seine-Maritime prefecture, responsible for the Rouen department, stated that the fire's origin remained unknown. Meanwhile, the Rouen judicial court, conducting an inquiry into the incident, indicated a preference for the accidental theory.
Rachida Dati, France's culture minister, echoed this sentiment in an interview with BFMTV, emphasizing the likely accidental nature of the fire. The City of Rouen's official website provided additional context, revealing that the cathedral's spire had been undergoing renovation since 2016. Importantly, the flames only affected the metal structure of the spire and the protective tarpaulin surrounding the construction site.
Archbishop Dominique Lebrun of Rouen offered a plausible explanation, suggesting that a spark from welding work might have fallen onto a plastic cabin interior at the work site, potentially igniting the fire.
It's worth noting that Rouen Cathedral, officially known as Notre-Dame de l'Assomption de Rouen, boasts a rich history and architectural significance. The cathedral houses the tomb of Richard the Lionheart and features the highest spire of any cathedral in France, reaching an impressive 151 meters. Its west facade famously inspired Claude Monet's series of paintings, cementing its place in art history.
Throughout its existence, the cathedral has faced numerous challenges, including damage from a cyclone in 1683 and surviving bombing during World War II. The current spire, constructed in the 19th century, is made of cast iron and has been struck by lightning multiple times.
As investigations continue, it's crucial to rely on verified information from official sources rather than speculative claims circulating on social media. The Rouen Cathedral fire serves as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking in the age of rapid information dissemination.
