Devastating Fire Engulfs Historic Manhattan Cathedral, No Injuries Reported

The fire broke out on the first floor of the Serbian Cathedral.

ByABC News
May 2, 2016, 7:22 AM

— -- Fire ravaged a Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in New York City, leaving the building in ruins on the same day its parishioners had celebrated Easter.

Fire department officials said the blaze broke out on the first floor of the Manhattan cathedral shortly after 7 p.m. Sunday. There were no reported serious injuries or evacuations at the time the fire broke out. Roughly 170 firefighters mobilized to combat the blaze.

Parishioners and onlookers were left in shock as they watched the flames completely engulf the historic landmark.

Officials weren't sure how the fire started but said one person suffered minor injuries from smoke inhalation.

PHOTO: Firefighters battle a fire at the historic Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava, May 1, 2016, in New York. The church that was constructed in the early 1850s and was designated a New York City landmark in 1968.
Firefighters battle a fire at the historic Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava, May 1, 2016, in New York. The church that was constructed in the early 1850s and was designated a New York City landmark in 1968.

The historic church was built in the 1850s as an Episcopal church.