More than €300 million pledged globally for reconstruction of the Notre Dame

More than €300 million has been pledged to help the reconstruction of the Notre Dame Cathedral after a catastrophic fire tore through the historic Parisian structure, collapsing its spire and causing significant damage.

Two police officers and a firefighter suffered slight injuries while fighting the fire, that took nearly 400 firefighters and nine hours to put out.

François-Henri Pinault, chair and CEO of the international luxury group Kering, which includes Gucci and Saint Laurent, said Monday night he and his family will donate €100 million to the cathedral's reconstruction.

"My father [François Pinault] and I have decided to release as of now from the funds of Artemis a sum of €100 million to participate in the effort that will be necessary for the complete reconstruction of Notre Dame," he wrote on Twitter.

Then on Tuesday morning Bernard Arnault, chair and CEO of luxury goods group LVMH, who owns brands including Moët & Chandon and Dior pledged €200 million. 

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday evening that he planned to launch a national fundraising campaign to rebuild the centuries-old cathedral.

"We will rebuild Notre Dame because this is what the French expect because this is what our history deserves because it is our destiny," Macro said.

In Malta, Archbishop Charles Scicluna told local media on Tuesday that, on behalf of the Catholic community in Malta, a small donation was made to the reconstruction of the Cathedral. He said that the donation was to show solidarity with those affected by the tragedy.

European Council President Donald Tusk also called on EU member states to contribute to its reconstruction.

The Notre Dome has undergone extensive and costly restorations over the years. When the fire broke out, the spire was being restored as part of a multimillion-dollar renovation to repair water damage to the wooden structure. 

Paris prosecutor's office said the fire was currently being investigated as an accident.