Notre Dame Cathedral Fire: ABC News gets exclusive tour inside weeks later
Weeks after Notre Dame went up in flames in a fire that shocked the world, ABC News' cameras captured the damage -- and the beautiful features that remain.
In an exclusive first look, Gen. Jean-Louis Georgelin, the retired general who was put in charge of the rebuilding efforts by French President Emmanuel Macron, showed David Muir the charred interior.
During the tour, Georgelin showed Muir the spire that collapsed and pierced the roof. He also showed him the 42-foot rose windows, which survived, as well as the 8000-pipe organ, which looks to be mostly untouched.
"They're going to be examining each of the pipes of this great organ to make sure that they haven't been permanently damaged," Georgelin told ABC News, "but just to give you an idea, you can't help but notice the ash and likely lead in here as well, that remains, the soot all over the cathedral part of the restoration that lies ahead."
About 400 tons of lead were lost in the fire. The workers still wear protective suits and masks. Estimates to rebuild the church have varied, but Macron is optimistic that Paris' iconic landmark could reopen within five years. Georgelin agrees.
"Nothing is impossible to a French general," he said.
See more of David Muir's exclusive tour Monday on World News Tonight. Check your local listings.
SEE ALSO: Notre Dame cathedral fire: Before and after photos of fire damage
PHOTOS: A look inside Notre Dame Cathedral during the fire
RELATED: Illinois woman witnesses Notre Dame fire: 'I was moved to tears'
