A large fire near Glasgow’s busy train station has led to the partial collapse of a historic building. The blaze started around 4 p.m. on Sunday and quickly drew dozens of firefighters to Union Street.
Dramatic images show flames dancing around the dome of the building, with a crane spraying water to battle the fire. Fire crews used specialized equipment, and fortunately, there have been no reported injuries.
At one point, 18 fire engines, including three high-reach vehicles, were engaged. The fire continued to burn for more than 10 hours.
Video shared on social media captured the chaos, showing thick smoke billowing from a shop entrance. A person was seen attempting to use a fire extinguisher before being pulled back by others nearby. The fear and urgency in the video are palpable, with someone exclaiming, “Oh my God, it’s like an explosion!”
John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister, expressed his concern and gratitude to the emergency responders. He urged people to avoid the area and follow travel guidelines.
Glasgow Central Station, the busiest in Scotland, has been closed, causing major disruptions to train services. The station, opened in 1873, was built to handle the growing population fueled by the city’s industrial boom. It originally had eight platforms to accommodate the surge in rail traffic.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by urban infrastructure, especially in historic areas. As cities grow and age, the need for maintenance and fire safety becomes even more critical.
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