Masked demonstrators set fire to the 143-year-old town hall in Limoges during nationwide protests against high living costs on October 17, destroying two-thirds of the exterior and causing the roof to collapse, according to vg.no.
The blaze tore through the historic municipal building late Saturday after a group of protesters targeted the location. Prefect Maurice Barate described the destruction as a catastrophe for cultural heritage and called the arson a deliberate act carried out by hooligans, vg.no reported.
Flames gutted the upper levels of the structure. The roof collapsed onto the floors below, sparing only the west wing, while exterior walls suffered extensive damage.
Witnesses Describe Police Car Fire and Looting
Witnesses told reporters that demonstrators first ignited a police vehicle outside the municipal building.
Firefighters arrived late Saturday to battle the blaze. During the unrest, multiple shops in the city center sustained damage and were looted.
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The unrest in Limoges coincided with large-scale demonstrations across France. Authorities reported approximately 1,200 arrests and about 150 injured police officers during Saturday’s protests, vg.no reported.
-1792273127440.jpg--fire_at_the_limoges_town_hall__the_historic_19th_century_building_destroyed_after_the_march_on_the_cost_of_living_.webp?1792273127539 "Fire at the limoges town hall the historic century building destroyed after the march on the cost of living")
Frequently Asked Questions About the Limoges Fire
When did the fire at the Limoges town hall start?
The fire broke out on October 17 during protests over high living costs. Firefighters responded late Saturday evening to tackle the flames.
How much of the historic building was damaged?
Prefect Maurice Barate stated that two-thirds of the exterior was destroyed and the roof collapsed onto the lower levels, leaving only the west wing intact.
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