A huge fire has broken out in Glasgow, destroying some historic buildings and forcing the closure of one of Scotland’s busiest train stations.
Dozens of firefighters were called to Union Street just before 4pm (12pm ET) on Sunday after a fire broke out on the ground floor of a four-storey commercial building near Glasgow Central Station, crews said.
Dramatic footage showed orange flames swirling around the domed roof under the night sky, as a silhouetted crane sprayed water jets onto the raging flames.
Special equipment was used to take on the hell. No casualties have been reported so far.
At 2am local time, the fire was still burning 10 hours later, and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “At the height of the fire, 18 appliances and specialist staff were called to the scene, including three aerial vehicles.”
A video circulating on social media and verified by CNN shows thick smoke billowing from the store’s doorway. A person is separated by onlookers after briefly spraying a fire extinguisher into the smoke.
“Oh my god, it’s like an explosion,” a voice can be heard calling emergency services in the clip.
Loud explosions and sirens sound in the background before a police van arrives on the scene.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney expressed deep concern over the fire in a post on X late Sunday and thanked emergency services for their continued response.
“Please continue to follow travel guidance and stay safe by avoiding the area,” Siwini added.
Glasgow Central has regular rail services throughout the UK, including direct trains to Edinburgh and London.
Late on Monday, a spokesperson for UK rail network operator Network Rail said in a statement: “While the fire is now under control, emergency services are still at the scene and we will continue to support the response.”
The station remains closed and is likely to remain closed on Tuesday, a spokesperson said.
“A reopening schedule will only be confirmed once we are able to safely access and carry out the necessary testing,” it said, adding: “All services to and from Glasgow Central are currently suspended.”
The station was built in 1873 and is described as a “remarkably historic building”, according to Network Rail. The website describes it as Scotland’s busiest station.
He added that Glasgow Central initially opened with eight platforms. This was part of a wider effort to cope with Glasgow’s rapidly growing population due to rapid industrialization, including the success of shipbuilding on the River Clyde.
CNN has contacted Police Scotland for comment.
