In the heart of Copenhagen, fire has consumed Denmark’s famous historical 17th-century stock exchange building. Spectators were shocked to watch the renowned dragon spire collapse onto the street below.
The iconic tower had three crowns and four dragons with speared tails, representing strong links to neighboring Sweden and Norway.
Reports show that scaffolding and barrier material were used to encase the historic stock exchange while it was being restored. According to Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt, the Danish cultural legacy spanning four centuries has been destroyed. The structure dates back to 1625.
The Danish Chamber of Commerce, which utilizes the space, said it was a horrible sight. The director, Brian Mikkelsen, stated that the part of the building had burned, but he swore it would soon be rebuilt.
Danish television interviewed local artisan Henrik Grage, who compared this with the Notre Dame Cathedral fire that destroyed the spire and roof five years ago in Paris.
On April 15, 2019, as the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris was encircled in scaffolding for significant restorations, a fire started under its eaves.
Even though firefighters in Copenhagen are still trying to determine what started the fire, they have said that the scaffolding was a significant hazard to their rescue efforts. Those in charge of the fire said that it was centered on the tower.
From his position on the scaffolding, one of the bricklayers repairing the structure claimed he saw the explosion of flames on the roof.
Reports revealed that pedestrians rushed into the engulfed building to assist rescue workers in removing priceless artifacts, including massive Renaissance paintings, from the fire.
According to Camilla Jul Bastholm of Denmark’s National Museum, hundreds of pieces were salvaged and stored under security. A painting from 1895 by PS Krøyer depicting fifty Danish merchants gathered in the building was one of the cherished pieces that were saved. Clocks, mirrors, and elaborate chandeliers were also rescued.
