Britain09 March, 20262 min read
Vape Shop Blaze Collapses Building, Shuts Glasgow Central and Halts Train Services
Fire started in a vape shop on Union Street and spread through the adjacent building The blaze gutted and partially collapsed a B-listed Victorian building dating from 1851
Glasgow Central fire
A large fire began on Sunday afternoon in a vape shop on Union Street next to Glasgow Central station. The fire quickly spread, causing part of an adjacent historic building to collapse and forcing the terminus to close.
“A fire that started in a vape shop near Glasgow Central station on Sunday afternoon caused a building to partially collapse. Dozens of train services were canceled and National Rail said the station will remain closed until further notice. No casualties have been reported.”
Multiple outlets reported the blaze started in a vape or e-cigarette shop and that the partial collapse damaged an 1851 Victorian-era structure. National Rail said the station will remain closed and dozens of train services were cancelled, with no casualties reported.
Station fire response
Fire crews mounted a substantial response to the blaze, deploying dozens of appliances, specialist vehicles and large firefighting teams as they battled flames that threatened the station and caused structural collapse. Local and national reports described between 15 and 18 appliances and around 60 firefighters on scene, with multiple high-reach vehicles, water-rescue teams and specialist resources involved. Crews were still damping down into the next day as smoke continued to billow.
Glasgow rail disruption
The incident caused widespread rail disruption: Glasgow Central’s high-level platforms were suspended and many services were cancelled or diverted, with operators putting ticket-acceptance and amended service arrangements in place while passengers were advised not to travel.
“All services to/from Glasgow Central high level are suspended; the low‑level station is closed to stops but some trains will run through non‑stop to Argyle Street.”
Multiple transport outlets and RailAdvent noted that all services to/from the high level were suspended and that low-level trains would not call at the station, while operators including Avanti West Coast, ScotRail and TransPennine Express offered alternative ticketing and amended timetables amid an indeterminate closure.
City centre damage and response
Local businesses and neighbouring premises suffered heavy damage and were evacuated. Several ground-floor traders reported destruction or severe damage and large parts of the city centre were cordoned off. Reportedly affected businesses included Sexy Coffee, Subway, Paddy Power and Blue Lagoon.
Hotels and other nearby premises were evacuated, and stretches of road were closed to allow water-feeding from the River Clyde. Residents were warned to keep windows closed because of thick smoke.
Fire incident update
Authorities said there were no reported casualties and that investigations and recovery work would follow. Officials warned disruption could last into the following day and said investigators would examine possible ignition sources amid some early speculation. Scottish fire crews described the fire as under control but not fully extinguished the next morning.
“By Monday morning firefighters said the fire was ‘under control’ though not fully extinguished, with nine appliances still on scene (around 06:45 local / 07:45 Paris).”
The First Minister voiced concern and thanked emergency teams. Outlets cautioned that dramatic online videos included misleading or AI-generated material.
