In Copenhagen, a gigantic cutting machine, dubbed “The Bumblebee”, has just arrived in seven large parts. This 200-ton heavy machine is designed to cut down the extensive scaffolding surrounding the Stock Exchange building (Børsen) on Slotsholmsgade. “The Bumblebee” is part of a larger effort to ensure that the scaffolding is safely and efficiently dismantled. The machine, which is now being assembled, will be equipped with a crane arm and a powerful metal scissors capable of cutting through the heavy metal structures. The Capital Region of Denmark Emergency Services (Hovedstadens Beredskab) has announced that two smaller cutting machines have already been put to use to begin the work. These machines are operating from Slotsholmsgade, where the first parts of the scaffolding have already been removed.
Friday’s work took a dramatic turn when a heavy metal scissors unintentionally detached from a crane and got stuck between the Stock Exchange building and the scaffolding. Despite several attempts to remove the scissors with another crane, the emergency services had to give up as it was too risky to have personnel close to the scissors. To protect the surface during the heavy work, driving plates will be placed on Børsgade. This is to ensure that the asphalt does not get damaged by the weight and movements of the machines during the cutting down process. Incident commander Tim Ole Simonsen from the Capital Region of Denmark Emergency Services emphasizes that safety is paramount throughout the process. “We take no chances when it comes to the safety of our personnel and the public,” he said in a comment on the situation.
The work to remove the scaffolding is expected to continue in the coming days, where “The Bumblebee” will play a central role in the efforts made to ensure a safe and controlled dismantling of the scaffolding around one of Copenhagen’s most iconic buildings.