Glasgow Central Station Fire: Historic Union Street Building Collapses — Station Closed Monday
A catastrophic fire in Glasgow city centre has shut Scotland's busiest railway hub and destroyed a historic Victorian building. Glasgow Central Station remains closed this morning, Monday, March 9, 2026, with no immediate reopening in sight. No fatalities have been reported.
How the Glasgow Central Fire Started
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they were first alerted at 3:46 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, to reports of a fire affecting the ground floor of a four-storey commercial building on Union Street, near Glasgow Central Station.
Witnesses described hearing a loud bang before seeing thick smoke and flames pouring from the building. Some reports suggest gas canisters inside the vape shop may have exploded, intensifying the fire — though officials have not yet confirmed a definitive cause. A bystander was seen on social media pulling a man away from the shop front just moments before a blast ripped through it.
The Building Collapse — A 1851 Victorian Gem Destroyed
The blaze engulfed Forsyth House on Union Street, a historic Victorian building whose iconic dome has now fully collapsed. Labour MSP Paul Sweeney described the fire as "a massive blow to Union Street" and noted the building dates back to 1851. He added that a major restoration of the Egyptian Halls nearby had been in prospect, making the timing of the disaster even more devastating for the city's heritage.
Scale of the Emergency Response
At its height, 15 fire appliances and specialist resources including three high-reach vehicles and a water rescue team were mobilised. More than 60 firefighters worked for hours to bring the blaze under control.
Glasgow City Council closed Broomielaw and sections of Clyde Street to assist the Fire Service in obtaining a water source directly from the River Clyde to help combat the ongoing blaze.
Glasgow Central Station Closure — All Services Suspended
Network Rail confirmed Glasgow Central Station remains closed until further notice and will not reopen on Monday morning. All services to Glasgow Central remain suspended and passengers are advised to seek alternative travel arrangements.
TransPennine Express confirmed services would not operate throughout Monday in both directions on the Glasgow Central to Manchester Airport and Liverpool Lime Street routes. Customers are also being advised to check before travelling on Tuesday, March 10. Other affected services include the Caledonian Sleeper between Glasgow Central and London Euston, Avanti West Coast routes to Crewe, Birmingham New Street, and London Euston, and CrossCountry routes.
Passengers are being advised to use Argyle Street or Anderston stations as alternative departure points.
Grand Central Hotel Evacuated — Businesses Destroyed
Guests at the nearby Grand Central Hotel were evacuated as a result of the fire and relocated to a nearby hotel. Businesses including Sexy Coffee, Subway, Paddy Power, and Blue Lagoon occupied ground-floor units in the building that has been mostly destroyed.
No Casualties — Scottish First Minister Responds
There are no reported casualties from the Glasgow Central Station fire. First Minister John Swinney said he is deeply concerned about the fire and expressed gratitude to all emergency services responding to the scene. MSP Paul Sweeney has announced plans to raise fire safety regulations for older historic buildings in the Scottish Parliament.
