Share and Follow
A MASSIVE fire has torn through Copenhagen’s 400-year-old Stock Exchange this morning, engulfing its iconic spire which collapsed onto the roof.
Shocking footage shows one of the Danish capital’s most iconic buildings ablaze as people were seen rushing to save its priceless paintings trapped inside.
Police received reports of a fire at 8am local time (7am GMT) and emergency services rushed to the burning Børsen building, which was encased in scaffolding.
There were no reports of injuries.
Dramatic videos showed people carrying large paintings away from the site, which was once Denmark’s financial centre, to save them from the flames.
One witness told Danish state broadcaster DR: “It’s horrible. It was one of the city’s most beautiful buildings.
“I pass by here every day It’s Notre Dame all over again.”
Copenhagen police asked people to avoid driving in the inner part of the city.
The Dutch Renaissance-style building – which dates back to 1625 – no longer houses the Danish stock exchange, but serves as headquarters for the Danish Chamber of Commerce.
“We are met by a terrible sight. The Bourse is on fire,” the Chamber of Commerce wrote on X.
The historic landmark, which is situated next to the Christiansborg Palace where the parliament sits, is a popular tourist attraction.
It had been under renovation when the fire broke out.
Its 184ft spire is shaped as the tails of four dragons intertwined and, according to legend, is said to guard it against enemy attacks and fire.
Local media reports that the old Stock Exchange has managed to be spared from fires raging nearby in the past.
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
