Nantes, organ and a 19th century painting destroyed. One man apprehended, but any conclusion is premature

The violent fire that broke out yesterday morning in Nantes’ Gothic cathedral completely destroyed the 17th-century major organ, stained glass windows, and a 19th-century painting by Hippolyte Flandrin. French Prime Minister Jean Castex, Culture Minister Roselyne Bachelot, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, and Nantes Mayor Johanna Rolland arrived at the scene.

“Everyone feels, even nonbelievers, touched in their hearts. The state will obviously be there for an operation that is destined to last a long time. But there are things that cannot be recovered. The painting of Hippolyte Flandrin is definitely lost. It is a great sorrow,” said Bachelot. “On the ongoing arson investigation at present I have no information. Then it will be time for reconstruction, which I hope will happen as soon as possible,” Castex added.

“The Cathedral, our Cathedral, is an important place for the Catholic community of Nantes, but it is also a place of all the residents of Nantes, it is part of our history, part of our heritage. I will be particularly careful to ensure that everything possible is done to determine the exact causes of the disaster with the utmost certainty,” commented Mayor Johanna Rolland.

Meanwhile, an arson investigation has been opened after firefighters indiduced three points of origin of the flames.

Prosecutor Pierre Sennes let it be known that on the same day yesterday a man who may be linked to the cathedral fire was detained. He is a volunteer who had been assigned to lock the cathedral the day before the fire. However, checks on his whereabouts are still ongoing. Forensic police will continue to make findings today. “Verifications are ongoing. We must remain cautious. Any conclusion is premature,” Sennes said.

Nantes, organ and a 19th century painting destroyed. One man apprehended, but any conclusion is premature

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