HISTORIC BUILDING IN COPENHAGEN BURNS DOWN

The historic stock exchange building in Denmark’s capital city has gone up in flames.

Onlookers were shocked on Thursday when flames and smoke could be seen from several blocks away in Copenhagen’s city centre.

The building, which used to house the country’s main stock exchange before it moved, was undergoing extensive renovations.

The flames were spotted by one of the contract workers. The worker immediately informed his colleagues that the building was on fire and they evacuated in time. The fire brigade arrived on the scene within minutes of being phoned.

The BBC reports that fire department chief Jakob Vedested Andersen said firefighters faced an almost impossible task accessing the area under the old copper roof. It was not until Tuesday afternoon that he said the fire had been brought under control, although much of the building was burned out.

Locals entered other sections of the building to rescue important artefacts and paintings. Volunteers managed to save a famous painting depicting 50 commerce men in the building. Other items saved from the fire include chandeliers, mirrors and clocks.

The building, which dates back to 1625 currently houses the Danish chamber of commerce.

Image credit: Reuters