Glasgow: A massive fire tore through a historic building near Glasgow Central Station, leading to a partial collapse and forcing the suspension of train services at Scotland’s busiest railway station.
The blaze reportedly began in a vape shop on Union Street before rapidly spreading through the B-listed Victorian structure known as Union Corner. The building, which dates back to 1851, partially collapsed several hours after the fire broke out as flames intensified.
Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after 15:45 local time, with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service deploying more than 60 firefighters and 15 fire engines to tackle the blaze. At the height of the emergency, specialist units, including high-reach vehicles and a water rescue team, were also mobilised.
I am deeply concerned about the fire near Glasgow Central Station tonight and very grateful to all of the emergency services who are responding. Please continue to follow travel guidance, avoid the area and stay safe. https://t.co/fkhAHlTgdp
— John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) March 8, 2026
Thick smoke was initially seen billowing from the building next to one of the station’s entrances, but within hours, flames engulfed large sections of the structure. Eyewitnesses described the scene as ‘catastrophic,’ while reporters at the site witnessed the dome on the corner of the building collapsing during the inferno.
Despite the scale of the blaze, authorities confirmed that no casualties have been reported. Rail operations were severely disrupted as a result of the incident. National Rail announced that all services to and from the station’s high-level platforms had been cancelled, while the station itself would remain closed until further notice.
Officials from Network Rail said that an initial inspection had not identified significant structural damage to the station itself, but a full assessment would be carried out at first light. Several nearby businesses were destroyed in the fire. The popular café Sexy Coffee confirmed that its shop had been completely destroyed, describing the loss as devastating. The owner of Willow Hair Salon also said her business had burned to the ground.
Guests staying at the Voco Grand Central Hotel inside the station complex were evacuated and relocated to other hotels in the city as a precaution. Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said he was deeply concerned by the scenes and urged the public to follow the guidance of emergency services and avoid the area.
Rail operators have confirmed that services will not resume on March 9 morning. ScotRail said trains will not stop at the station’s high or low-level platforms, though some services may pass through and stop at nearby stations such as Argyle Street and Anderston.
Passengers have been advised to check updates before travelling, while rail companies, including Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express, announced cancellations and alternative travel arrangements.
Authorities have cordoned off nearby streets, including parts of Union Street and Gordon Street, while diversions remain in place. Residents have also been advised to keep their windows closed due to smoke from the blaze.
Firefighters continued working late into the night to bring the large building fire under control, as investigations into the cause of the incident are expected to follow.
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