It was during Tuesday morning that it happened. The historic Börsen building in central Copenhagen started to burn. The classic spire has collapsed and the entire Slottsholmen, where Christiansborg is located, among others, was blocked off.
There are many who have reacted strongly to the fire. Architecture critic Mark Isitt is on site in Denmark’s capital and describes the atmosphere on site.
– This is an icon for Copenhagen. I don’t think there is any spire in this town as iconic as the one that has now fallen. It is a great tragedy. There are a lot of people standing here and watching. It’s completely quiet around me, everyone is in a state of sadness, I think, he says.
Today 11:24
The architect about the stock exchange from 1625 which is in flames: “Full of art treasures”
Despondent after the tragedy
He himself thinks that it is sad to see and even though it is “only” material things, he feels an enormous sadness.
– I feel really shaken. The scepter itself is incomparable with its four dragons twisting their tails up into the sky. This is the kind of scepter that you, as a parent, show your children and now it’s gone, says Mark Isitt.
It is still unclear how the fire started, but it was under renovation. Mark Isitt becomes visibly irritated when he thinks about the tragedy.
– That you never learn! It’s been five years since Notre Dame burned and now it’s burning here. It is a huge tragedy. This house is also full of art treasures, he says.
Knut Knutson: One wonders a little
When TV4 Nyheterna reaches the antiques expert and TV profile Knut Knutson, he expresses strong despair and anger.
– I am so shocked. It’s terrible. I get so sad. One wonders a little… Those who are working on these buildings, do they understand where they are somewhere? This would be the utmost caution and safety. It’s not just any building that you maintain, he says.
Even residents of Copenhagen have a hard time accepting the fact that one of the city’s oldest buildings is on fire. The building is described as a national treasure and people in town are shocked.
– This is our Notre-Dame, says one resident.
Today 12:17