One of the oldest Antebellum-era plantations in the country was destroyed after a massive fire ripped through the historic mansion and completely engulfed it in flames.
The massive inferno erupted at Louisiana‘s historic Nottoway Plantation House shortly after 2pm Thursday.
A giant orange wall of fire consumed the 166-year-old home, which was located along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
The blaze, which started in the south wing of the building, devoured the upper portion of the rotunda and sent a plume of thick smoke into the sky.
Officials claim the inferno quickly spread to the main house and left behind a trail of destruction. Footage from the property shows charred and collapsed remnants of the once beautiful house.
The plantation’s northern wing and back wall were completely destroyed, with only the chimneys remaining on each side. The façade and upper balcony had also collapsed.
Although authorities note it is too soon to determine the full extent of the damage, the mansion’s owner, Louisiana attorney Dan Dyess, said in a written statement that the fire had led to a ‘total loss’ after all the time and money he invested in the building.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, Iberville Parish government officials said. No injuries were reported.
Hellbound and Down 