Danish police close investigation into Old Stock Exchange fire

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Danish police said Tuesday they had closed the investigation into the devastating fire that destroyed more than half of Copenhagen’s Old Stock Exchange, saying nothing to suggest the blaze was the result of criminal activity.

Despite extensive forensic investigations, surveillance investigations and questioning of numerous witnesses, “it is not possible to determine the cause of the fire in the historic stock exchange building,” Copenhagen police officer Brian Belling said. investigation.

“Our assessment is that we are exploring all investigative possibilities in the case,” Belling said at a news conference, adding that no one has been charged in the case.

Belling said the video material included hours of footage from inside the exchange, which was undamaged by the fire. He added that there was no flammable liquid present.

A fierce fire destroyed the 400-year-old building, a major tourist attraction, in the early morning hours of April 16. The fire toppled its green copper roof and iconic dragon tail tower. Two days later, a large portion of the building’s exterior wall collapsed inward.

As the fire intensified, many people, including ordinary people, took action to save the artworks, and approximately 90% of cultural objects were rescued from the building.

Belling said one hypothesis is that the fire started in connection with renovations.

It is believed that the fire broke out under the roof wrapped around the scaffolding due to renovation works planned to be completed in 2024.

“There are guidance on the refurbishment of listed buildings. Tim Ole Simonsen, a senior member of the Copenhagen Greater Fire Department, said at the same press conference: “Our view is that they were followed to the letter.” “Then you can discuss whether they are good enough.”

On September 24, King Frederik this marked the beginning of a rebuilding plan that lasted years.

The Danish Chamber of Commerce, which owns the stock exchange in the city centre, said they would rebuild the landmark, which is considered a leading example of the Dutch Renaissance style in Denmark. Construction started in 1615 and it was first opened in 1624.

The fire reminded us of the fire that broke out in the 800-year-old Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris in April 2019.