Denmark’s historic old stock exchange building in the centre of Copenhagen has been engulfed by fire.
The massive fire engulfed the stock exchange building on Tuesday morning, with video footage showing flames tearing through the historic structure in the capital’s centre.
The Børsen building has been a key part of Danish business since the 17th century.
The building, dating back to 1625, is a stone’s throw from Denmark’s parliament, the Folketing, and the royal palace, Christiansborg. Danish media said the nearby square was being evacuated.
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Local craftsman Henrik Grage told Danish TV that it was a tragic day. “This is our Notre-Dame,” he said, comparing it with the fire that engulfed the roof and spire of the cathedral in the centre of Paris in 2019.
Copenhagen police urged people to avoid the area, and there have been no reported injuries thus far.
Though individuals were inside the building when the fire broke out, they were safely evacuated, according to a police spokesperson, who noted that military personnel were assisting firefighting efforts at the scene.
The Danish Chamber of Commerce, headquartered in the building, described the scene as “a terrible sight.”
The Dutch Renaissance-style building no longer houses the Danish stock exchange but serves as headquarters for the Danish Chamber of Commerce.
“We are currently working hard to save our historical art from the Bourse,” the Chamber of Commerce wrote on X.
REUTERS
