Historic Copenhagen Stock Exchange Building Devastated by Fire
The iconic old stock exchange building in Denmark's capital, Copenhagen, has been consumed by a fierce fire, as seen in televised images on Tuesday. The fire has mercilessly swept through the historic structure situated in the heart of the city.
On Tuesday morning, a massive fire engulfed Denmark's old stock exchange. Videos from the scene captured flames ripping violently through the historic building located in the center of the capital.
The Børsen building has been a key part of Danish business since the 17th century.
Emergency responders worked below as footage captured huge plumes of black smoke billowing from the Copenhagen landmark. Stunned commuters and onlookers watched in disbelief as the raging fire engulfed the building's distinctive 56-meter spire, shaped like the tail of four entwined dragons. Moments later, the spire collapsed and fell into the street below.
Copenhagen police have advised individuals to steer clear of the area where a fire broke out. Fortunately, there have been no injuries reported thus far.
According to a police spokesperson, individuals were present in the building when the fire began, but they were safely evacuated. The police spokesperson also mentioned that military personnel were present at the scene to assist with the firefighting operations.
Shocked onlookers watch as the fire engulfs the historic building in central Copenhagen.
Shocked onlookers watch as the fire engulfs the historic building in central Copenhagen.
Ida Marie/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP/Getty Images
People salvage a painting from the old stock exchange after a violent fire broke out on Tuesday morning.
People salvage a painting from the old stock exchange after a violent fire broke out on Tuesday morning.
Ida Marie Odgaard/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP/Getty Images
The old stock exchange, situated just a short walk from Christiansborg Palace, was constructed in 1625 in the Dutch Renaissance style by King Christian IV. Recently, it has been undergoing renovations, with scaffolding and protective coverings on its facade.
Denmark's culture minister, Jakob Engel-Schmidt, expressed concern that 400 years of cultural heritage had been harmed.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he expressed his admiration for the collaboration between Børsen employees, emergency service personnel, and bystanders in rescuing art treasures and iconic images from the burning building. It was a touching sight for him.
The Danish Chamber of Commerce, located in the same building, described the scene as "a terrible sight."
File photograph of the Old Stock Exchange building.
File photograph of the Old Stock Exchange building.
Luke MacGregor/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Emergency services were working to control the fire but it had spread to all floors through the elevator shaft.
Frank Trier Mikkelsen, operations manager at the Greater Copenhagen fire department, described the fire as "burning violently" inside the building, as reported by government-owned TV 2.
According to TV 2, forty firefighters were inside the building rescuing valuables.
Mikkelsen explained to the Danish broadcaster that the fire is the kind that emergency managers fear the most. He mentioned that certain parts of the building's roof will have to be taken out in order to put out the fire.
Additionally, he mentioned that special machines have been brought in to remove some of the copper roof because water is not effective in putting out the fire on it.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
CNN’s Louis Mian and Eve Brennan contributed to this report.
Editor's P/S:
The fire that engulfed Copenhagen's historic old stock exchange is a devastating blow to Denmark's cultural heritage. The building, which has been a key part of Danish business since the 17th century, has been severely damaged, and it is unclear whether it can be restored. The fire is a reminder of the fragility of our cultural landmarks and the importance of preserving them for future generations.
The fire also raises questions about the safety of historic buildings. The old stock exchange was undergoing renovations at the time of the fire, and it is possible that the scaffolding and protective coverings on its facade contributed to the spread of the flames. It is important to ensure that historic buildings are properly maintained and that safety measures are in place to prevent fires and other disasters.
