Denmark: Fire rips through Copehagen’s old stock exchange [Video]

COPENHAGEN, Denmark –

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

The blaze broke out on the building’s copper roof during renovations, and police said it was too early to say what caused it. The building with its distinctive 56-metre (184-foot) spire in the shape of four intertwined dragon tails has been a major tourist attraction next to Denmark’s parliament, Christiansborg Palace, in the heart of the capital.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

Bells tolled and sirens sounded as fire engulfed the spire and sent it crashing onto the building, which was shrouded by scaffolding. Huge billows of smoke rose over downtown Copenhagen and could be seen from southern Sweden, which is separated from the …