Fire chars 19th-century historic basilica’s rooftop

A fire that erupted in a 19th-century basilica in western France at the close of morning Mass on Monday has reportedly charred the shell of the rooftop.

Reverend Benoit Bertrand of the Nantes diocese said that everyone inside was evacuated quickly without any injury.

The blaze was brought under control hours later, with 90 firefighters and aircraft on the scene.

It was sparked accidentally by workers on the roof.