The causes of the fire, which are still unknown, are being investigated by the local French police.

Newsroom – France – Eure (October 1, 2021, 10:05 AM Gaudium Press) The ancient Carmelite convent of Gravigny, located in the French region of Eure, was destroyed by a fire that started during the night of Monday to Tuesday, September 28.

Roof completely on fire

The fire started around 2:30 am in an abandoned building and eventually spread to the chapel and the convent. More than 50 firefighters were mobilized, however, the flames were not put out until 7:30 in the morning.

“When we arrived, the roof was completely on fire. The fire spread at a monumental speed,” says Captain Gautier Terrier, head of the main rescue center in Évreux. The chapel was saved and the disaster caused no casualties.

A devastating night

Businessman Gilles Treuil, the current owner of the 5,000 square meter building, summed up on his social media account, that this was “a devastating night,” expressing in his text a mixture of anger and sadness at what had happened.

The convent was sold to him by the Diocese in 2007, after the departure of the Carmelites. The historic building dates back to the 19th century and, although not listed, is considered a true local heritage site. (EPC)

Compiled by Zephania Gangl