Scotland’s busiest railway station will stay closed for a third consecutive day following a major fire at a vape shop near the site.
The blaze broke out on Union Street, close to Glasgow Central Station, destroying several neighbouring businesses. Although the station itself appears to have avoided significant structural damage, rail services have been halted since Sunday.
Train services to and from the station remain suspended while authorities continue safety inspections. Disruption is expected to continue beyond today as engineers assess the impact of the fire.
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Network Rail confirmed emergency crews are still working in the area. “While the fire is now under control, emergency services are still on-site, and we continue to support their response,” the organisation said.
It added: “Timescales for reopening will only be confirmed once we are able to safely gain access and carry out the necessary checks.”
Passengers have been urged to make alternative travel arrangements as transport operators adjust their services.
Train Disruption Continues As Rail Operators Adjust Services
Rail companies have introduced temporary measures to help travellers reach destinations despite the closure.
Avanti West Coast confirmed an amended timetable will operate to Preston, Carlisle and Motherwell. The operator said this would allow passengers to connect with trains heading to Edinburgh as well as local routes serving the Glasgow area.
ScotRail’s chief operating officer David Ross apologised for the disruption caused to passengers.
“We know this closure will cause significant disruption for our customers, and we’re very sorry for the impact this will have on their journeys,” he said.
Ross also expressed gratitude to emergency services for preventing the flames from spreading further and potentially damaging the station itself.
Fire Destroys Historic Building And Local Businesses
The building most severely damaged in the blaze dates back to 1851. Several businesses operating inside were destroyed by the fire.
A fundraising campaign launched on GoFundMe has already raised more than £80,000 to support those affected.
Among them is a hair salon owned by Joe Diaz, who described the dramatic moments when the fire broke out on Sunday afternoon.
He told the Press Association that he and his partner encountered “really heavy, dark smoke” as they tried to escape.
“We just got our client and said, ‘let’s just run and get out of here as soon as we can,’” he said.
Politicians Describe Devastation Near Glasgow Central
Local politicians have also reacted to the scene left by the blaze.
Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, told the BBC that the damage in the area resembled scenes from wartime Britain.
He said the fire had left the street looking “like something out of the Blitz”.
Authorities are continuing investigations and safety checks before any decision is made about when Scotland’s busiest station can safely reopen.
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