Nantes, France (BBN)-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 worshipers evacuated from the building, Rev Benoit Bertrand told local media, reports BBC.
Around 40 firefighters were deployed to the scene to try to extinguish the flames.
However the fire spread quickly, ravaging the rooftop of the historic building.
The blaze reportedly broke out at 10:30 local time (08:30 GMT), but the cause has not yet been established.
I see flames still escaping," Rev Bertrand told BFM television.
Social media users shared images of the basilica, with smoke billowing from its rooftop.
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