This is what the Copenhagen Police write in a press release.
It has not been possible for the police to find out what caused the 400-year-old building to catch fire on the morning of April 16.
– All relevant investigative steps have been searched, without being able to demonstrate the cause of the fire. However, there is nothing to indicate that the fire was the result of a criminal act, says Deputy Police Inspector Brian Belling in the announcement.
The police also state that no one has been charged in the case.
Belling adds that the police’s assessment is that all relevant investigative possibilities in the case have been explored. This involves, among other things, interviewing witnesses, technical investigations of the fire site and the electrical installations.
The historic landmark in Copenhagen was engulfed in flames and smoke on Tuesday morning, April 16.
A new chapter in Danish history was written as the flames spread in the historic red Børsen building, which is owned by Dansk Erhverv.
At 07.36 the fire was reported to the fire brigade, who fought against the flames in a race against time.
– It is 400 years of business history that is burning now, said the CEO of Dansk Erhverv, Brian Mikkelsen, who himself ran in and out of the burning building to save works of art.
– This is a national disaster.
At around 8.30am, the building’s iconic dragon spire collapsed, consisting of four twisted dragon tails with three crowns on top. The dragon spire was said to protect Børsen from enemies and fire. For example, Børsen’s neighboring building Christiansborg has burned down several times in the past.
By the afternoon of the same Tuesday, the fire had come under control.
But it had not been possible to save the entire Stock Exchange.
At the time, the fire service estimated that the fire had something to do with the restoration work that had been going on outside the building for a while.
In a written comment, Dansk Erhverv thanks the authorities for their work and is particularly pleased that there is no indication that a criminal act is behind it.
– We in Dansk Erhverv are naturally happy with that conclusion. And now we look forward. Because it’s about getting the Stock Exchange reinstated for the benefit and joy of all of Denmark, says Brian Mikkelsen.
Work on rebuilding the Stock Exchange is in full swing, and Dansk Erhverv will come up with a forecast for when the work will be finished before the end of the year.
/ritzau/
2024-11-12 09:10:00
#Police #suspend #investigation #Børsen #fire #charges
**Interview with Deputy Police Inspector Brian Belling about the Børsen Fire**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Deputy Inspector Belling. Can you start by summarizing the events surrounding the fire at the Børsen building on April 16?
**Brian Belling:** Thank you for having me. On the morning of April 16, we received reports of a significant fire at the Børsen building, a historic landmark in Copenhagen. Our emergency services responded rapidly, but the structure was engulfed in flames by the time they arrived. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
**Editor:** That’s a relief to hear. Now, regarding the investigation, can you share what steps the police have taken to determine the cause of the fire?
**Brian Belling:** Absolutely. We have conducted extensive investigations, including interviewing witnesses and performing technical assessments of the fire site and surrounding electrical installations. However, despite our thorough efforts, we have not been able to establish a definitive cause for the fire.
**Editor:** Have you ruled out any potential criminal elements in the incident?
**Brian Belling:** Yes, our current assessment indicates that there is no evidence to suggest that the fire was caused by a criminal act. We have examined all relevant investigative avenues, and at this time, we have not charged anyone in connection to the fire.
**Editor:** Given the building’s historical significance, what does this incident mean for its preservation?
**Brian Belling:** This is indeed a tragic incident for Denmark’s cultural heritage. The preservation authorities are currently assessing the damage, and discussions about restoration efforts will certainly take place. This building has immense historical value, and we are hopeful that we can see it restored to its former glory.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Deputy Inspector Belling. We appreciate you taking the time to discuss this unfortunate event.
**Brian Belling:** Thank you for having me. We are committed to keeping the public informed as we continue our investigations.
