Travel across parts of Glasgow has been severely disrupted after a large fire broke out near Glasgow Central Station, one of the busiest railway hubs in United Kingdom.
The fire started on Sunday afternoon in a vape shop located on Union Street, close to the station. Emergency crews responded quickly, but the blaze caused major damage and forced the closure of the station.
According to National Rail, rail services are expected to face disruptions throughout Monday, and there is currently no confirmed timeline for when the station will reopen.
Glasgow Central Station Closed After Fire
Authorities confirmed that no trains will operate to or from the high-level platforms at Glasgow Central while safety inspections and firefighting operations continue.
Trains passing through the low-level platforms will still run but will not stop at Glasgow Central station, meaning passengers must find alternative travel routes.
Glasgow Central normally handles hundreds of train services daily and connects major UK cities including London, Edinburgh, and Manchester. The closure has therefore affected thousands of commuters and long-distance travelers.
Train Operators Issue Travel Updates
Several rail companies have issued travel warnings and service updates.
Avanti West Coast said it will run an adjusted timetable, with trains operating only as far as Preston, Carlisle, and Motherwell. Passengers can use these stations to connect with services heading toward Edinburgh or other local routes in the Glasgow area.
Meanwhile, ScotRail warned travelers that major delays and cancellations are likely across many routes and advised passengers to check the latest travel information before leaving home.
TransPennine Express confirmed that its services between Glasgow Central and Liverpool Lime Street Station as well as Manchester Airport will not run on Monday.
Services between Edinburgh and Newcastle or Manchester Airport are also expected to experience delays and cancellations.
Firefighters Continue Battling the Blaze
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that crews were first called to the scene at 3:46 pm on Sunday after reports of a fire inside a four-storey building.
By early Monday morning, firefighters were still working to bring the blaze fully under control. Authorities urged the public to avoid the area around Union Street while emergency operations continued.
At the height of the incident, 15 fire engines and specialist units were deployed. These included three high-reach ladder vehicles and a water rescue team to help control the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby buildings.
Officials also confirmed that no injuries or casualties have been reported so far.
Historic Building Partially Collapses
Local officials reported that the building affected by the fire is historically significant.
According to Paul Sweeney, a member of the Scottish Parliament, the structure dates back to 1851 and suffered partial structural collapse during the fire.
He said the damage is a major setback for Union Street, which has been undergoing redevelopment efforts in recent years.
However, nearby historic landmarks such as the Central Hotel and surrounding buildings appear to have avoided major damage.
Government Response to the Incident
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney expressed concern about the situation and thanked emergency workers for their efforts.
In a public message, he urged residents and travelers to follow official safety advice and stay away from the affected area until the situation is fully resolved.
Authorities are expected to carry out structural inspections and safety assessments before allowing trains to return to Glasgow Central station.
Impact on Commuters and Travelers
The closure of Glasgow Central station is likely to affect thousands of passengers, including daily commuters, business travelers, and tourists.
Transport officials recommend that passengers:
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Check live train updates before traveling
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Allow extra travel time
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Use alternative stations or transport routes where possible
Rail operators say more updates will be provided once firefighters finish their operations and engineers assess the damage.
