Glasgow, 09 March (H.S.): A ferocious blaze that erupted in a vape shop on Union Street late Sunday has reduced a cherished B-listed Victorian building to rubble, prompting the indefinite closure of Glasgow Central Station and widespread rail chaos across Scotland.

The fire, first reported at approximately 3:45 PM local time, rapidly escalated, drawing over 60 firefighters and 15 appliances to the scene, including high-reach platforms and a water rescue unit sourced from the nearby River Clyde.

Eyewitnesses described a catastrophic inferno as flames devoured the four-story structure known as Union Corner—erected in 1851, predating the station itself—with its iconic dome collapsing amid showers of sparks and debris.

Businesses including Sexy Coffee and Willow Hair Salon confirmed total devastation, lamenting the loss after years of community support.

No casualties were reported, a relief underscored by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service statements praising the swift evacuation of the adjacent Voco Grand Central Hotel.

First Minister John Swinney voiced deep concern, thanking emergency responders and imploring the public to avoid cordoned areas around Renfield Street and Gordon Street, where crowds had gathered despite police appeals.

Network Rail confirmed the station—handling millions of passengers annually—would remain shuttered at dawn Monday, with all high-level services cancelled and low-level trains bypassing for Argyle Street and Anderson stops.

ScotRail, Avanti West Coast, and TransPennine Express issued apologies and alternatives, including cross-ticket validity on LNER routes to London King's Cross, amid dozens of cancellations rippling nationwide.

Initial assessments revealed no direct station damage, but full structural checks are pending.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar