Glasgow Central Station Closure Following Fire and Building Collapse
Glasgow Central station will remain closed for at least two days after a significant fire caused the collapse of a building adjacent to Scotland’s busiest railway station.
National Rail announced that the station would be closed on Monday and was "likely" to remain closed on Tuesday due to the fire, which is believed to have originated in a vape shop on Union Street on Sunday afternoon.
The fire severely damaged the mid-Victorian Forsyth building, which surrounds one corner of the station in the city centre. The blaze destroyed several shops and businesses, including the well-known fish and chip shop Blue Lagoon, a salon, and a cafe.
Firefighting Efforts and Site Conditions
On Monday morning, thick fire hoses extended along Gordon Street and down Hope Street as two fire appliances continued to douse the interior of the smoking building from high aerial lift platforms, assisted by light drizzle.
The gutted interior of the B-listed structure was visible behind its blackened facade. Thick smoke continued to rise from the ruins, drifting across adjoining streets filled with police cars and fire engines.
Police have cordoned off streets surrounding the site. Some officers wore face masks to protect against the smoke while directing commuters and office workers who were unable to reach their destinations.
Impact on Transport and Station Operations
Although there was no significant damage to Glasgow Central station itself, Network Rail stated the station would remain closed throughout the day while the fire was addressed. Surrounding streets were also closed, causing major disruption to transport services and commuters.
Paul Sweeney, a Scottish Labour MSP and advocate for improved oversight of Glasgow’s architectural heritage, called on the fire service and authorities to consider stricter inspections and regulations for vape shops.
Cause and Consequences of the Fire
Witnesses reported hearing explosions inside the building after the fire began, believed to be caused by lithium batteries used in some vape devices stored onsite. Flames were seen emanating from the B-listed structure. By late Sunday evening, the fire had consumed much of the block, resulting in the collapse of its dome.
“I watched the footage of that fire taking hold of the shop unit with increasing fury. How could a vape shop destroy 175 years of Glasgow’s heritage and numerous small businesses in a matter of 12 hours, and also disrupt the busiest railway station in Scotland for an indeterminate period? It’s just extraordinary.”
“It raises questions about the vulnerability of historic buildings to such lithium fires. When this building dates to 1851, it’s not been designed with modern fire protection standards. Why on earth are we permitting these highly risky retail activities to take place in extremely vulnerable buildings adjacent to critical infrastructure?”
Sweeney described the fire as revealing a "massive blind spot in our regulation." He emphasized the risks posed by vape shops operating in historic buildings near critical infrastructure.
Local Business Concerns
Mark Jackson, a commercial estate agent involved in selling one of the properties behind the police cordon, noted the impact on numerous businesses in the area.
“I do think this should lead to an increase in stipulation on vape shops. We see lots of them popping up and they are stacking thousands of pounds worth of stock that is not regulated,”he said.
“It’s crazy what happened. We’ve seen fires but not to this extent.”
Network Rail and Transport Disruptions
A Network Rail spokesperson said:
“The station will remain closed today and likely tomorrow. Timescales for reopening will only be confirmed once we are able to safely gain access and carry out the necessary checks.”
They added:
“All services to and from Glasgow Central are currently suspended, and passengers should continue to follow alternative travel arrangements as advised by their train operators.”
Network Rail also stated that west coast intercity services scheduled to terminate at Glasgow Central would instead run to Preston, Carlisle, or Motherwell, with assistance provided to travelers for alternative connections northwards. TransPennine Express indicated that trains between Edinburgh and Newcastle/Manchester Airport would experience delays and cancellations in both directions.
Event Disruptions
The disruption extended to the closing night of the Glasgow Film Festival. A party celebrating the closing film, the directorial debut of Glasgow-born actor James McAvoy, was scheduled to be held at the Central Hotel inside the station. Due to the fire and subsequent closure of the station and hotel, the gala event was relocated to Sauchiehall Street.
Emergency Response and Official Statements
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service reported that at the fire’s peak, 18 appliances and specialist vehicles were deployed to the scene.
John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister, stated on Sunday:
“I am deeply concerned about the fire near Glasgow Central station tonight and very grateful to all of the emergency services who are responding. Please continue to follow travel guidance, avoid the area and stay safe.”
