A group of New Jersey students toured the Notre Dame cathedral moments before the Gothic gem burst into flames.

More than two dozen Leonia High Schoolers in a field trip abroad had just finished visiting the 850-year-old landmark when they learned a blaze had torn through it, they told CBS New York.

“It was very chaotic. Emotions were high,” junior Lauren Oh said.

Other students — who heard news of the fire while eating dinner at a nearby cafe in Paris — ran toward the historic church to take video footage, as smoke billowed from the monument.

“I ran out of the restaurant with my phone in my hand to record, and as soon as I turned away from the fire, I just got very emotional and started to cry,” said senior Jenna Khansa.

Edward Bertolini, the school’s superintendent and trip chaperone, said the sight was devastating.

“It was a surreal moment, because we just saw the beauty of the church, and then a few minutes later, it was gone,” he said.

Students and teachers plan to continue the 11-day tour of churches and museums in France this week.

“I feel like we’re part of history… That is something I’ll never forget,” senior Loryn Williams said.

On Monday, the fire ripped through the cathedral on Monday, toppling the monument’s spire as some Parisians watched in tears.

Firefighters saved the landmark’s two main towers along with several priceless relics, officials said Tuesday.

Related Video