Firefighters tackle scaffolding dangling outside fire-ravaged Danish landmark

19 April 2024, 15:44

Denmark Fire
Denmark Fire. Picture: PA

A large blaze broke out on Tuesday at the 400-year-old former stock exchange in Copenhagen.

Firefighters stabilising the burned-out husk of Copenhagen’s historic Old Stock Exchange have tried to use giant shears on a crane to cut away dangling scaffolding, but suffered a setback when the implement fell into the debris.

A large blaze broke out on Tuesday at the 400-year-old landmark in Copenhagen, toppling its roof and famous dragon-tail spire, and on Thursday, a large section of the outer wall of the building collapsed inwards.

The most valuable paintings and items inside had been saved from the flames, and no one was injured.

Denmark Fire
The scene in Copenhagen (Emil Helms/Ritzau Scanpix/AP)

“A further building collapse is absolutely a possibility,” said Tim Ole Simonsen, a spokesman for Greater Copenhagen Fire Department, adding that structural engineers were assessing how to remove precarious remnants of scaffolding. “It is very difficult work.”

He later said the work had been paused and “our efforts have taken a new turn”, after the powerful shears mounted on the end of a crane fell into the ruins of the building.

There were also small pockets of fire to extinguish and “tons” of debris to remove, he added.

Brian Mikkelsen, who heads the Danish Chamber of Commerce which owns the 1615 building and was headquartered there, said 45% of the structure had been saved, and he underlined pledges made earlier in the week to rebuild the structure.

“It will be rebuilt as it was,” Mr Mikkelsen said as Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen visited the site unexpectedly on Friday afternoon to thank the firefighters, saying their quick response on Tuesday was “impressive” and to give “huge, huge respect”.

She also supported the idea of rebuilding the Old Stock Exchange but said it was too early to say whether the government would take part in any financing.

Denmark Fire
Crowds gather to watch the operation (Ida Marie Odgaard/Ritzau Scanpix/AP)

“We need to get a better overview, like for instance the insurance money,” Ms Frederiksen said.

Tuesday’s blaze is believed to have started on the roof of the building, which had been wrapped in scaffolding while the building was being renovated. The cause remains unclear, and police have yet to enter the burned part of the building to investigate.

The plan to remove the scaffolding was an attempt to salvage the unharmed part of the Copenhagen landmark. Firefighters said they could not say how long that would take, and adjacent streets were still closed to traffic.

No decision has been made about who will finance a reconstruction, a project that would cost millions, if not billions and take years.

The exchange, known for its green copper roof and distinctive intertwined dragon tails, sits on the waterfront next to the Danish parliament. It is considered a leading example of the Dutch Renaissance architectural style in Denmark.

The Chamber of Commerce moved into the building after Copenhagen’s stock exchange left in 1974.

By Press Association

Latest World News

See more Latest World News

Lord Sugar labels Trump tariffs 'a disaster' as Apprentice star teases potential US Presidential meeting

Lord Sugar labels Trump tariffs 'a disaster' - as Apprentice star teases potential US Presidential meeting

Buildings that were destroyed during the Israeli ground and air operations in Gaza

Israel expands ground attack on Gaza to seize 'large areas' - despite pleas from hostage families

Police said two people died on Palliser Road, Roseneath.

British couple found dead at home in New Zealand - just months after moving to 'begin new chapter'

Virginia Giuffre warned it was a "very bad situation" after she claimed a school bus ploughed into her car

Virginia Giuffre was charged with breaching restraining order days before crash that 'left her with days to live'

Putin continues to reject Trump's peace plan

'We won't accept Ukraine ceasefire while Zelenskyy remains in power,' Russia warns

Virginia Giuffre

Family of Prince Andrew accuser Virginia Giuffre hit out at Australian cops over doubts she has 'days to live'

Luigi Mangione is facing the death penalty for the shooting of United healthcare CEO Brian Thompson

US prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Luigi Mangione in healthcare boss murder case

Emergency services at the scene after an explosion at a building thought to be a gas leak, in Via Pio Foà and Via Vitellia, in Rome, Sunday, March 23, 2025.

Scottish tourist dies after sustaining severe burns in Rome gas explosion that destroyed three-storey hotel

Five Israelis have been cleared after the court ruled the British woman's testimony was not credible

Five tourists accused of gang raping British woman in Ayia Napa hotel cleared after charges dropped

An areal view of the volcanic eruption near the town of Grindavik, on the Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

Volcanic eruption forces evacuations in Iceland

Jeffrey Epstein sex-trafficking victim who claimed Prince Andrew sexually abused her given 'four days to live' by doctors

Jeffrey Epstein victim and Prince Andrew accuser issues fresh statement after being given 'four days to live'

President of the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) parliamentary group Marine Le Pen

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen vows to fight election ban after embezzlement conviction

President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

White House says 'Signal chat case is closed' insisting issue has been 'dealt with'

A Taliban security personnel stands guard.

Taliban ask Russia to lift ban on terrorist organisation

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) shakes hands with Finland's President Alexander Stubb

'The UK is back': Finnish president praises Starmer's leadership announcing two nations are 'tied hip-to-hip on Nato'

Jeffrey Epstein sex-trafficking victim who claimed Prince Andrew sexually abused her given 'four days to live' by doctors

Jeffrey Epstein sex-trafficking victim who claimed Prince Andrew sexually abused her given 'four days to live'