Despite stabilization

Facade of Copenhagen stock exchange collapses

The masonry of the burnt-out part of the historic stock exchange in Copenhagen has collapsed. The walls collapsed despite stabilization, said a fire department spokesman on Thursday afternoon. According to the emergency services, no one was injured.

Hours earlier, the emergency services had tried to save the walls after the fire by setting up containers with concrete blocks. These were connected to scaffolding around the building. On Friday, all the rubble and other debris on the floor of the building should have been removed.

As reported, the fire had broken out on Tuesday under the copper roof of the 17th century brick building. It had spread from the roof downwards. For hours, huge flames leapt into the sky and thick black smoke billowed upwards. The striking tower collapsed onto the street. Around half of the historic stock exchange burned down.

Works of art safe
Several hundred works of art were saved from the flames. The cause of the fire is still being investigated. On Thursday afternoon, it was said that it was too unsafe to go inside due to the risk of collapse.

Several streets around the historic stock exchange in Copenhagen are to remain closed until Monday. The building is located on the eastern tip of the island of Slotsholmen on the Holmens Canal opposite the National Bank of Denmark and is an attraction for tourists. As restoration work was being carried out, the entire building was covered in scaffolding.

Mayor for reconstruction
Numerous supporters have already spoken out in favor of rebuilding the building. "The building is simply vital for Copenhagen and the entire cultural history of Denmark," wrote the seven mayors of Copenhagen in a joint statement shortly after the fire. The owner of the building also expressed confidence in this regard.