Suddenly, there was a low rumble followed by a deafening crash as the roof of the cathedral caved in.
As the building collapsed in on itself, the windows shattered from the pressure exploding outward and sending deadly shards of glass flying in all directions.
In a panic, the fire brigade, the army, and bystanders alike scrambled like mad to avoid the deadly missiles. Fortunately, although many suffered punctures and lacerations from the sharp debris, none of their injuries were life-threatening.
Despite shattering the windows with explosive force, the weight of the collapsed roof robbed the fire of one of its essential components – oxygen. Thus, the flames were effectively being smothered by the weight of the rubble.
After recovering from the initial shock, the fire brigade and the Imperial troops redoubled their efforts to stamp out the flames with renewed vigor. Their task aided immensely by the building's collapse.
