Survived two world wars, torched during protests: France’s Limoges town hall burns

A massive fire engulfed the historic town hall in Limoges, France, on October 17, as protests and unrest were reported across the country. Reports said masked individuals smashed windows, entered the building and set it alight, triggering a blaze that rapidly spread through the structure. Flames tore through the upper floors and roof of the 1883 landmark before its iconic 43-metre decorative clock tower collapsed. Firefighters battled to contain the blaze and save the remaining sections of the historic building, but the collapse left the monument severely damaged. The incident was reported amid nationwide demonstrations over rising living costs. The destruction of the historic spire marked a dramatic moment for a landmark that had stood through two world wars. Questions remained over how the fire spread so rapidly and overwhelmed the building.