A fire devastates the historic Copenhagen Stock Exchange building and part collapses

The historic building of the old Copenhagen Stock Exchange, from the 17th century, has been engulfed in flames since early Tuesday morning due to a fire of as yet undetermined origin that has caused the collapse of the spire of its tower. At the moment it is unknown if there are any victims.

Emergency services and firefighters are working to try to put out the fire while police have cordoned off a large area next to the building, located in a central area of ​​the Danish capital. Building was under restoration for several weeks and the fire could have started on the roof.

Several wings of Christiansborg Castle, seat of the Parliament, which is located near the burning building, have been evacuated For caution.

The building was under restoration

The Copenhagen Fire Department has confirmed a “massive” deployment of troops in the area.

The historic Stock Exchange tower, shaped like the tails of four intertwined dragons, collapsed around 8:30 a.m. due to the flames that engulfed the building.

The Minister of Culture of Denmark, Jakob Engel-Schmidtlamented in a message on his X account that “400 years of Danish heritage are on fire” and applauded the emergency services and citizens who are “collaborating” to “save artistic treasures and iconic images from the burning building.” “.

The building, known in Danish as Borsen and whose construction was completed in 1640, is located near Christianborg Palace, where Parliament is located, and represents one of the main tourist attractions in the country.