WASHINGTON, April 15 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday called the massive fire underway at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris "horrible", and advised rapid deployment of flying water tankers to put out the fire.
"So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!" Trump tweeted.
Speaking at a roundtable event in Minnesota, Trump said Notre Dame Cathedral was "greater than almost any museum in the world" and "part of our culture."
The fire was a terrible sight to behold, he added.
The fire broke out at 6:50 p.m. local time, according to French media. It may be linked to renovation works being carried out at the medieval cathedral, one of the capital's tourist magnets.
Online footage showed thick smoke billowing from the top of the cathedral and huge flames between its two bell towers engulfing the spire and the entire roof, and both of which collapsed.
