Glasgow’s busiest transport hub remains a ghost town today. Following a “catastrophic” blaze that broke out yesterday afternoon, Glasgow Central Station is closed, with experts warning the disruption could stretch well into Tuesday.
The Destruction of Union Corner
The fire, which reportedly started in a vape shop on Union Street around 3:45 PM on Sunday (8 March), quickly tore through the historic B-listed Victorian building known as Union Corner. By nightfall, the building’s iconic 1851 dome had collapsed, leaving only a “gutted shell” behind.
Key Facts from the Scene:
- Zero Casualties: Despite the scale of the inferno, no injuries have been reported.
- Firefighting Force: Over 250 firefighters have been involved in the operation, with water being pumped directly from the River Clyde to battle the flames.
- Business Loss: Local favourites, including Sexy Coffee and Willow Hair Salon, have confirmed their premises were completely destroyed.
Travel Chaos: What You Need to Know
Network Rail has confirmed that Glasgow Central will remain closed for the rest of today. While the station building itself appears structurally sound, the proximity of the unstable ruins on Union Street makes it unsafe for passengers to enter.
- High-Level Platforms: All services suspended.
- Low-Level Platforms: Trains are passing through but will not stop at Central. Use Argyle Street or Anderston instead.
- Alternative Routes: Commuters are being diverted to Queen Street or advised to use bus replacement services where available (though these are extremely limited).
“It looks like something out of the Blitz. A massive blow to the architectural heritage of our city.” — Paul Sweeney, MSP
The Investigation
A multi-agency investigation is already underway. Experts are looking closely at the role of lithium-ion batteries stored in the ground-floor commercial units, which may have contributed to the “unusually resistant” nature of the fire.
Stay Updated
The situation is moving fast. We’ll be monitoring the structural assessments and rail updates throughout the evening.
Check back with notherelong.co.uk for the latest on when the station might reopen.
