Significant Blaze Erupts Near Glasgow Central Station, Disrupting Transport Services

A major fire broke out near Glasgow Central Station, resulting in the evacuation of nearby buildings and significant disruptions to train services. The blaze, which started in a vape shop, quickly spread through the historic Forsyth Building, causing part of it to collapse. Emergency services responded promptly, and while no injuries were reported, the incident has raised safety concerns, leading to the station's closure. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire as firefighters continue to manage the situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 9, 2026, 05:06 IST

Fire Incident Near Glasgow Central Station

A large fire erupted in a building adjacent to Glasgow Central Station in Scotland on Sunday afternoon, leading to evacuations and the suspension of train services throughout the city. Officials reported that the fire resulted in part of the structure collapsing, but fortunately, there were no injuries.

The blaze originated in a vape shop located on Union Street and rapidly spread throughout the building. This structure is part of the historic Forsyth Building, which has origins dating back to the 19th century, as reported by a media outlet.

Emergency services were alerted around 3:45 PM local time, with smoke first detected near the railway station entrance. Within hours, flames had engulfed the upper levels of the building as the fire escalated.

Investigation into the Cause of the Fire

Authorities indicated that the fire began on the ground floor of a four-story commercial building, specifically within the vape shop, and quickly spread throughout the premises. Firefighters encountered intense flames and dense smoke as they battled the fire, according to reports.

More than 60 firefighters and 15 fire engines were deployed to the scene to combat the flames. Crews utilized high-reach vehicles and specialized equipment to manage the situation, with a water rescue team also providing assistance.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service reported that firefighters continued their efforts into the evening to bring the fire under control. Officials confirmed that the fire started on the ground floor before spreading to other areas of the building.

This incident caused significant disruptions to Glasgow's transport network, with National Rail announcing the cancellation of numerous train services following the station's closure.

As the busiest railway hub in Scotland, the station will remain closed until further notice due to safety concerns. Nearby streets were also closed off as emergency crews established cordons around the area, with police blocking roads between Gordon Street and St Vincent Street and implementing traffic diversions.

Large crowds gathered behind police barriers on Renfield Street and Gordon Street to observe the fire, prompting emergency services to advise the public to steer clear of the area. Additionally, the voco Grand Central Hotel was evacuated as a precautionary measure.