Minister: The fire at the cathedral in Nantes was likely not started intentionally

Paris - Currently, there is no indication that the fire at the cathedral in the western French city of Nantes was started intentionally. This was stated today by French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, according to the Reuters agency. The fire had been investigated as a possible arson attack.

"At this moment, nothing indicates that this is a crime," Darmanin told lawmakers in parliament. "An investigation has been initiated. It could have been an accident."

Flames appeared inside the late Gothic Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul on Saturday just before eight in the morning. Firefighters brought it under control during the afternoon and completely extinguished it by evening. However, they were unable to prevent the destruction of the large organ, and the original 16th-century stained glass windows shattered due to the heat.

Authorities have launched an investigation into possible arson as investigators found three different fire sources after an initial examination. On Sunday, a Rwandan refugee who serves as a volunteer at the local diocese was briefly detained in connection with the fire. However, he was released the same day without charges being filed.