Copenhagen's Historic Stock Exchange Building Engulfed in Flames, Triggering Police Investigation
On Wednesday, authorities initiated a probe into the destructive fire that engulfed Copenhagen's renowned stock exchange structure, leading to the spire's collapse and significant harm to priceless artwork and historic architecture.
Police are currently investigating the fire that destroyed Copenhagen's iconic stock exchange building. The fire caused the spire to collapse and damaged valuable artwork and historic architecture. The blaze continued to burn on Wednesday afternoon, more than 24 hours after it started, leading to a sense of loss among both officials and residents in the Danish capital.
Local firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the fire that swept through the building known as Børsen from early Tuesday. The fire reached all floors of the building and led to the collapse of the iconic dragon-tail spire, a symbol of the city.
Although the walls of the building remain intact, the interior suffered significant damage, and the roof partially collapsed. Firefighters utilized cranes to spray water into the building in their efforts to contain the fire.
Copenhagen police have started an investigation on Wednesday, describing it as a complex process. Officer Brian Belling mentioned that interviews have been conducted, surveillance has been secured, and numerous investigative steps have been taken.
The 17th century building was a Danish landmark, and an example of Renaissance-era architecture.
The 17th century building was a Danish landmark, and an example of Renaissance-era architecture.
Liselotte Sabroe/Ritzau Scanpix Denmark/Reuters
"Belling added that there is still much work to be done, especially since they have not had the chance to inspect Børsen itself yet."
"The 17th century building showcased the Dutch Renaissance style and contained several artworks, with some being rescued on Tuesday."
Residents were shocked by the sudden outbreak, which reminded them of the devastating fire that destroyed the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris exactly five years and one day ago.
"My initial reaction was that I hope they are able to rebuild it - even though it will never be the same, it holds great significance for Copenhagen and Denmark," shared 58-year-old teacher Eva Simoni Lomholdt with Reuters.
People rushed to salvage artworks from the building on Tuesday.
People rushed to salvage artworks from the building on Tuesday.
Brian Mikkelsen, the CEO of the Danish Chamber of Commerce, shared that a firefighter handed him the top of the spire on Wednesday morning. This spire had fallen but was later recovered.
"It gives me hope because we have decided to rebuild the stock exchange because it’s part of European history as a trading continent,” he said.
The old stock exchange – located only a few minutes walk from Christiansborg Palace – dates back to 1625. It was built in the Dutch Renaissance style at the request of King Christian IV and had recently been undergoing renovations with its facade covered in scaffolding and protective coverings.
Since then, it has been a central part of Danish business. Although it no longer accommodates the Danish stock exchange, it is now used as the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed her sadness about the fire at the building, referring to it as a valuable piece of Danish history that is truly irreplaceable.
Denmark’s culture minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt expressed his sadness over the damage done to 400 years of cultural heritage.
He also mentioned in a post on X, formerly Twitter, how heartwarming it was to witness the collaboration between Børsen employees, emergency service workers, and bystanders in saving precious art pieces and iconic images from the fire-ravaged building.
CNN’s Stephanie Halasz, Antonia Mortensen and Lauren Said-Moorhouse contributed reporting.
Editor's P/S:
The devastating fire that engulfed Copenhagen's iconic stock exchange building has left a profound sense of loss and sorrow among the Danish people and the international community. The 17th-century landmark, a testament to the city's rich architectural heritage, has been irreparably damaged, its iconic spire collapsing into rubble. The blaze has not only destroyed a piece of Danish history but also a symbol of the country's economic and cultural significance.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, but it is clear that the damage is extensive. The interior of the building has been gutted, and the roof has partially collapsed. Firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the blaze, but their efforts were hampered by the scaffolding and protective coverings that had been installed during recent renovations. The loss of Børsen is a tragedy not just for Copenhagen but for the entire world, as it is a reminder of the fragility of our cultural heritage and the importance of preserving our historical landmarks.
