The Saint-Victor tower, dating from the eleventh century, leaning against the chevet of the church of Saint-Pierre, gave way Thursday around 07:30, without making victims.
"A tower of the church collapsed, it had been showing signs of fragility for a few days. On Monday, a security perimeter was established by firefighters. This (Thursday) morning, suddenly, it collapsed, "said a spokesman for the Departmental Fire and Rescue Service (SDIS) of Gers.
On Thursday, firefighters were busy extracting statues and paintings from the church, and checking the strength of the walls adjoining the tower.
The mayor of the town of 800 inhabitants, Eric Balducci, had reported at the end of February cracks and reinforcement work was planned on the foothills of the tower.
"The drought certainly played a role, the expertise will tell. We have filed an application for recognition of natural disaster for the drought of 2022, we have cracks everywhere in the village, especially in old houses, "said the mayor to AFP.
Only material damage was found on parked roofs and cars.
© 2023 AFP