Major rail disruptions after large fire near Glasgow Central station

Travel disruption is expected to last throughout Monday after a large fire broke out near Glasgow Central station on Sunday.

National Rail said that the station would remain closed with “no estimate on when the station will reopen” after the blaze at a vape shop in Union Street.

“We expect disruption to continue on routes to/from/through Glasgow Central until at least the end of the day,” it said in a statement.

No trains will run to or from the high-level platforms at Scotland’s busiest station, while trains that run through the low-level platforms will not call at Glasgow Central.

Avanti West Coast advised passengers that an amended train service would run to Preston, Carlisle and Motherwell, “enabling customers to connect with trains to Edinburgh and local services to the Glasgow area”.

Firefighters used high-reach equipment to tackle the fire, which began on Sunday. Photograph: Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images

ScotRail warned of substantial disruption to its services and urged passengers to check for the latest information before travelling.

TransPennine Express said its services would not run between Glasgow Central and Liverpool Lime Street or Manchester airport on Monday, while trains between Edinburgh and Newcastle/Manchester airport will be subject to delays and cancellations in both directions.

As of 5am, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said crews were still battling the fire, with people urged to avoid the area where possible.

A spokesperson said: “Firefighters were mobilised at 3.46pm on Sunday, 8 March, to reports of a fire on the ground floor of a four-storey building.

“Operations remain ongoing and there have been no reports of casualties.”

Firefighters continued to tackle the blaze hours after it began. Photograph: Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images

The first minister, John Swinney, on Sunday said on social media: “I am deeply concerned about the fire near Glasgow Central Station tonight and very grateful to all of the emergency services who are responding.

“Please continue to follow travel guidance, avoid the area and stay safe.”

Paul Sweeney, the Labour MSP for Glasgow, said the building had partially collapsed.

In a post on social media, he said the building dates back to 1851.

Sweeney said: “Sadly the building has now partially collapsed. I hope the fire can be contained. The corner of the Forsyth Building, as well as the Caledonian Chambers and Central Hotel, seem unaffected.

“It’s a massive blow to Union Street with the restoration of the Egyptian Halls in prospect.”

“At its height, 15 fire appliances and specialist resources, including three high-reach vehicles and a water rescue team, were mobilised to the area,” a Scottish fire and rescue service spokesperson said.