Glasgow was in for a devastating International Women’s Day this year, as a B-listed Victorian building at Glasgow Central Station caught fire, causing the structure to collapse. As a result, Scotland’s busiest station has closed “until further notice”, and all trains have been cancelled.
It was reported that the fire started at a vape shop at 15:45 on Union Street on Sunday, March 8, and the fire has now left just a carcass of the building, and the dome has collapsed. Fortunately, no one was injured, and people were evacuated in time. The police have now officially confirmed the fire’s starting point, with further investigation needed to determine the cause.
Assistant Chief Officer David Farries said: “We’re not sure at this time, in terms of what the contents of the properties were at that point. Clearly, we were mobilised to an incident in what was a vape shop on the street. But we need to do full investigation with our multi-agency partners to understand the nature of the fire and understand why the fire spread the way that the fire did.”
The Union Corner building was built in 1851, and is connected to Glasgow Central Station. The fire started near the main entrance to the railway station where Blue Lagoon is, and many local businesses have suffered as a result.
The fire has now been contained, and thick smoke surrounds the building. Glaswegians are advised to avoid the area where possible.
When will Glasgow Central Station reopen?
National Rail said there was “no estimate on when the station will reopen”, as the station was closed on Monday, March 9 and Tuesday, March 10. What is more, Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland, has advised the station will be closed for the rest of the week.
Firefighters saved Glasgow Central Station – “it could have been so much worse”
According to a senior officer with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the fire took a massive effort to contain and to prevent it from spreading to the nearby hotel and the station.
Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken praised the firefighters for their efforts, and told the BBC: “I think they have saved Central Station and they have saved the Central Hotel. It came very close to Central Station. The firefighters created firewalls, firefighting from inside the building that was affected to make sure the buildings around it were protected.”
“A lot of people don’t realise that these old buildings, particularly at the top floor, they’re rabbit warrens, no floor is the same, so it was an enormous challenge for them. The city owes them a debt of thanks. It could have been so much worse.”
Train cancellations
No services are currently operating on the high level of the station, while the low level trains are still passing by without stopping, with Argyle Street and Anderson stations still fully operational.
What is more, Glaswegians are in for more disruption in the coming days. Chief Operating Officer David Ross told the BBC: “Our advice to passengers is to look at the ScotRail website and the app and see exactly what is running, but we are also asking people to be very patient with our staff – we are doing the best we can in very difficult circumstances.”
Those travelling through Glasgow city centre locally are urged to check beforehand for any updates on the ScotRail website, social media channels or app. There is also limited transport replacement available.
A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “The fire is now under control, but emergency services, including Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, remain on site as they continue to manage the incident.
“All services to Glasgow Central remain suspended, and passengers are advised to seek alternative travel arrangements. We will continue to provide further updates as soon as more information becomes available.”
Travel alternatives
If possible, passengers can defer their ticket to another day, with most train operators allowing to choose this option. If commuters must travel on Monday, March 9, check out the video above for further options.
Avanti West Coast has allowed passengers to use their tickets at no extra cost on LNER services between Edinburgh and London King’s Cross. You can get to Edinburgh from Glasgow Queen Street Station.
However, there are no trains or replacements for the Glasgow Central service to Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Airport with TransPennine Express.
Bus disruptions
Unsurprisingly, passengers should expect bus disruptions throughout the day, as Glasgow Central Station remains closed due to the major fire. Union Street is a major route for a number of buses, with diversions needed.
A First Bus spokesperson said: ‘We can confirm the Glasgow Central fire will affect our services in the Glasgow area and we advise our passengers to look closely at our app and website for live updates on our services.
“At present, our immediate and top priority is ensuring passengers and staff are safe, as well as minimising disruption as best we can.”
Road Closures
• Renfield Street at West George Street
• St Vincent Street at West Nile Street
• West Nile Street southbound from Bath Street
• Broomielaw between Oswald Street and Jamaica Street
• Vehicles can still cross the King George V bridge, turning left onto Broomielaw
• Clyde Street is closed westbound; commuters should turn right onto Glasgow Bridge and then over King George V Bridge
Businesses affected by the Glasgow Central Station fire
Many businesses have been affected by the fire at Glasgow Central Station, losing their livelihood as a result. What is more, all of the guests staying at the Voco Grand Central Glasgow were evacuated last night and placed into another hotel. The firefighters have successfully prevented the fire from spreading to the hotel.
Locals are urged to support the businesses they love, with some having already created fundraisers to help.
Here is a full list of businesses affected due to the fire:
- Clean Slayt
- Cece’s Salon
- Amore Glasgow
- That Redhead Nail Tech
- Haus of Hair GLA
- Tangible Hair and Healing
- Cut Loose Hair
- The Curl Shop UK
- Willow Glasgow Salon
- Nu Mood Studio
- Dinto Jra Studio
- Future Studios GLA
- Lovelox Glasgow
- Lulus Beauty Glasgow
- Samuse Studio
- Lucky in Love Tattoos
- Alston Glasgow
- Sexy Coffee
- Gordon St Coffee
- Wig Chapel
- James At88
- Megan Jack Hair
- GloGirlGlasgow
More updates to follow.
