Glasgow Central fire causes days of disruption

Published: 10 March 2026

The English Chronicle Desk

The English Chronicle Online — UK News

Rail passengers across Scotland are bracing for days of disruption after a devastating fire near Glasgow Central Station forced the closure of one of the country’s busiest transport hubs. Authorities have warned that services will remain severely affected “for several days” as engineers assess the damage and safety risks caused by the blaze.

The fire broke out in a vape shop on Union Street on Sunday afternoon, quickly spreading through the upper floors of a historic building adjacent to the station. Flames engulfed the structure, causing part of the roof to collapse and sending thick smoke billowing across the city centre.

Emergency crews worked through the night to contain the blaze, but the scale of the damage has left rail operators with no choice but to suspend services until the site is secured. Network Rail Scotland said engineers are examining whether falling debris or heat damage has compromised overhead lines and station infrastructure.

All routes through Glasgow Central have been affected, with cancellations and diversions hitting commuters and long‑distance travellers alike. ScotRail has advised passengers to check timetables before travelling and warned of significant delays.

The closure has disrupted services to Ayrshire, Inverclyde, Lanarkshire, and beyond, with knock‑on effects expected across the wider Scottish rail network. Transport authorities say it could take several days before normal operations resume.

Police Scotland has urged the public to avoid the area around Union Street and Gordon Street, where cordons remain in place. Businesses nearby have been evacuated, and roads are closed to allow firefighters and engineers to continue their work.

Officials stressed that while the fire is now under control, hotspots remain, and the building is structurally unstable. Safety assessments will determine whether demolition is required.

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney described the damage as “enormous” and praised the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for preventing the blaze from spreading into the station itself. He said the incident was a reminder of the bravery of emergency crews who “put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public.”

Local councillors have called for urgent support for businesses affected by the closure, noting that the disruption comes at a critical time for Glasgow’s economy.

The destroyed building was part of Glasgow’s Victorian cityscape, adding to a growing list of heritage sites lost to fire in recent years. The collapse of its dome has been described as a “heartbreaking blow” by residents who gathered to watch the blaze.

Glasgow has suffered several high‑profile fires in the past decade, including the destruction of the Glasgow School of Art’s Mackintosh Building. Each incident has reignited debate about fire safety and the preservation of historic structures.

Network Rail has warned that repairs and safety checks will take time. Engineers must ensure that the station concourse, platforms, and overhead lines are safe before services can resume.

For now, passengers are advised to use alternative routes and expect delays. Authorities say they will provide updates as soon as assessments are complete.

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