Fire Rages Through 17th-Century Old Stock Exchange in Copenhagen, Toppling Iconic Spire

Fire and smoke rise out of the Old Stock Exchange, Boersen, in Copenhagen, Denmark, on April 16, 2024. Ida Marie Odgaard/Ritzau Scanpix via AP

COPENHAGEN, Denmark—A fire raged through one of Copenhagen’s oldest buildings on Tuesday, causing the collapse of the iconic spire from the 17th-century Old Stock Exchange as passersby rushed to help emergency services save priceless paintings and other valuables.

Danish Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt said it was “touching” to see how many people lent their hand “to save art treasures and iconic images from the burning building.” One man jumped off his bicycle on his way to work to help in the effort.