Glasgow blaze ‘like the Blitz’ destroys historic building near Central Station

Published: 9 March 2026

The English Chronicle Desk

The English Chronicle Online — UK News

Glasgow city centre was left shrouded in smoke and disbelief on Monday morning after a devastating fire tore through a historic 19th‑century building beside Central Station, prompting mass evacuations, rail disruption, and comparisons to the destruction of the Second World War. Witnesses described the inferno as “like something out of the Blitz,” as flames engulfed the structure, causing part of its iconic dome to collapse and leaving businesses in ruins.

The blaze, which broke out late on Sunday night, quickly spread through the building on Union Street, sending plumes of thick smoke billowing across the city centre. Firefighters battled the flames through the night, using aerial platforms to douse the collapsing structure as crowds gathered at a distance, watching in shock. By dawn, the building was a charred shell, its roof partially caved in and its façade blackened by smoke.

The fire’s proximity to Glasgow Central — Scotland’s busiest railway station — caused immediate and severe travel disruption. All services to and from the station’s high‑level platforms were suspended, with rail operators warning passengers to expect delays and cancellations throughout the day. Roads surrounding the station were sealed off, and nearby hotels were evacuated as a precaution.

For many Glaswegians, the scale of the destruction was difficult to comprehend. The building, which housed several businesses including a vape shop, had stood for more than a century and was considered part of the city’s architectural heritage. Its sudden loss has left residents mourning not only the damage but the symbolic blow to the city’s historic heart. “It looked like a scene from wartime,” one witness told reporters. “The flames were so intense, and the smoke was everywhere. It didn’t feel real.”

Emergency services responded swiftly, with dozens of firefighters deployed to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring structures. Despite their efforts, the fire caused extensive damage before it was brought under control. As of Monday morning, crews remained on site, continuing to dampen hotspots and assess the stability of the remaining structure. Smoke lingered in the air, drifting across the city centre and prompting warnings for residents to keep windows closed.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire, though early reports suggest it may have originated in the vape shop on the ground floor. Investigators are expected to begin a full examination once the site is deemed safe to enter. Police Scotland has urged the public to avoid the area, citing ongoing safety concerns and the risk of falling debris.

The impact on local businesses has been profound. Several shops and offices housed within the building have been destroyed, leaving owners facing uncertainty about their futures. Many had already been struggling with rising costs and reduced footfall in the wake of the pandemic and economic downturn. The fire has now dealt a devastating blow to their recovery efforts. “Everything is gone,” one business owner said. “We don’t know what happens next.”

The emotional toll on the community has been equally significant. Glasgow has endured several major fires in recent years, including the destruction of the Glasgow School of Art’s Mackintosh Building — twice — and the blaze at Victoria’s nightclub. Each incident has left scars on the city’s cultural and architectural landscape. Sunday night’s fire has reopened those wounds, reminding residents of the fragility of the city’s historic structures.

Local politicians have expressed their shock and pledged support for affected businesses and residents. One MSP described the scene as “devastating” and said the destruction evoked images of wartime Glasgow. “To see such an important part of our city centre reduced to rubble is heartbreaking,” they said. “We must ensure that those affected receive the help they need.”

Rail operators have warned that disruption could continue for several days as engineers assess the impact of the fire on nearby infrastructure. While the station itself was not damaged, smoke and debris have affected access routes and overhead lines. Commuters have been advised to check travel updates regularly and consider alternative routes where possible.

As the city begins to process the scale of the destruction, questions are emerging about the future of the site. Structural engineers will determine whether any part of the building can be salvaged or whether it must be demolished entirely. Heritage groups have already voiced concern about the potential loss of yet another historic landmark, urging authorities to explore all options for preservation.

For now, the focus remains on safety and recovery. Fire crews continue to monitor the site, ensuring that the blaze does not reignite. Police and council officials are coordinating efforts to reopen roads and restore normality to the surrounding area. But for many Glaswegians, the memory of the fire — and the haunting comparisons to the Blitz — will linger long after the smoke has cleared.

The city, known for its resilience, will undoubtedly rebuild. Yet the loss of a cherished piece of its architectural fabric serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of historic buildings and the importance of safeguarding them for future generations. As one resident put it, “Glasgow has been through worse, and we’ll get through this too. But it still hurts to see part of our history go up in flames.”

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