A significant fire in downtown Glasgow caused major disruptions to Scottish train services on Monday as firefighters endeavored to extinguish the flames that demolished a four-story building near Scotland’s busiest train station. Glasgow Central Station was shut down, leading to expected disruptions in all travel to, from, and through the station. The duration of the closure remained uncertain, but authorities anticipated it would persist for another day until Tuesday.
The fire erupted on Sunday afternoon in a vape store located on Union Street adjacent to the station. The building was quickly engulfed in flames, with fire visible through the windows and the roof emitting flames. The structure, dating back to 1851, collapsed during the night, leaving only its front facade intact.
Paul Sweeney, a Scottish Parliament member, drew comparisons to the aftermath of the Nazi bombings in Britain during 1940-41, describing the scene as reminiscent of wartime destruction. Sweeney expressed the severity of the damage, stating, “It’s been completely wiped out, destroyed. The building is a gutted shell. It looks like something out of the Blitz.”
Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, expressed relief that there were no reported injuries but acknowledged the significant damage and anticipated disruptions. The government pledged financial assistance to aid in the city’s recovery.
Witnesses behind police cordons expressed shock at the sight of the ruins, with Emma Reid remarking, “It’s just so sad. It’s such an iconic building.” Several businesses, including a café, fish and chip shop, and hair salon, were devastated by the fire. Despite the destruction, businesses like Sexy Coffee vowed to rebuild.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that there were no injuries from the blaze. Firefighters continued battling the aftermath of the fire on Monday to ensure complete extinguishment.