Watch the moment the iconic spire on top of Notre-Dame Cathedral collapses

The famous spire that topped Paris's historic Notre-Dame Cathedral has collapsed.

The structure fell at around 8 p.m. local time in the middle of a raging fire that engulfed the church on Monday. Thousands a viewers watched parts of the building crumble on online livestreams.

Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of France's most renowned monuments, originally finished in the 12th century. The spire, which was originally built as a bell tower, has been standing since 1852. It was adorned with copper statues of the 12 apostles of the New Testament.

Read more: The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is on fire — and now the entire frame is burning

Videos of the spire's collapse made the rounds on social media.

The fire broke out at around 6:50 p.m. local time. The cause is still unclear, although the building was reportedly undergoing renovations. French authorities confirmed that firefighters and first responders are on the scene.

The cathedral is constructed primarily of limestone — a flammable stone — and has a roof made from wood. 

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