By Blessing Nweke

A major fire tore through a historic building beside Glasgow Central Station in Glasgow on Sunday, causing part of the structure to collapse and forcing widespread transport disruption across the city.

The blaze began in a vape shop on Union Street during the afternoon and rapidly spread through the B-listed Victorian building known as Union Corner. Within hours, flames engulfed the multi-storey structure, sending thick smoke across the area and drawing large crowds to nearby streets.

Emergency services quickly responded, with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service deploying more than 60 firefighters and 15 fire engines to battle the flames. Initial crews arrived at about 15:45 local time, but the fire intensified as evening fell.

Witnesses described dramatic scenes as flames tore through the building. BBC Scotland reporters at the scene said the dome on the corner of the structure collapsed during the inferno, while several floors remained standing with embers still burning inside.

Authorities confirmed that all train services to and from the station’s high-level platforms were cancelled, and National Rail announced that the station would remain closed until further notice while safety checks are carried out.

Following a late-night assessment, Network Rail said there was no immediate indication of major structural damage to the station itself, though a full inspection will take place.

Several businesses inside the affected building have been destroyed, including Sexy Coffee and the Willow hair salon, whose owners described the loss as “heartbreaking.” Guests staying at the nearby voco Grand Central Glasgow hotel were evacuated and relocated to other accommodation in the city.

Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, said he was “deeply concerned” by the incident and urged the public to follow emergency service guidance and avoid the area.

No casualties have been reported as firefighting operations continue.