A massive fire in the center of Glasgow has caused severe disruption to rail travel across Scotland after flames destroyed a historic four-storey building next to Glasgow Central Station, the country’s busiest railway hub.
The blaze began Sunday afternoon inside a vape shop on Union Street and quickly spread through the building. Fire engulfed the structure, sending flames through the windows and shooting from the dome-topped roof as firefighters battled the inferno overnight.
By Monday morning, much of the building—originally constructed in 1851—had collapsed, leaving only parts of the façade standing. Authorities said the damage forced the closure of Glasgow Central Station, disrupting all travel to, from and through the major transport hub.
Rail operators warned passengers that the station would remain closed while emergency crews continue to secure the area and assess safety risks, with disruption expected to last into Tuesday.
Despite the scale of the fire, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed there were no reported injuries.
Paul Sweeney, a member of the Scottish Parliament, compared the destruction to the aftermath of the Nazi bombing of Britain during The Blitz in World War II.
“It’s been completely wiped out, destroyed,” Sweeney told the BBC, describing the building as a “gutted shell.”
John Swinney, Scotland’s first minister, said it was a relief that nobody was hurt but warned the fire would have major consequences for the city’s transport network and businesses.
He also pledged that the government would provide financial support to help Glasgow recover from the incident.
Several businesses located in the building were destroyed, including a café, fish and chip shop and hair salon. One café, Sexy Coffee, confirmed on social media that its premises had been completely destroyed but vowed to rebuild.
Residents gathered behind police cordons Monday to witness the aftermath, expressing sadness over the loss of what many described as a well-known and iconic building in the city center.
