Reports emerge of a significant fire incident at Glasgow vape shop
A devastating fire broke out at a vape shop near Glasgow Central Station on Sunday afternoon, causing extensive damage to the 19th-century building and disrupting train services in the area. The blaze, which started around 15:45, quickly spread, leading to a partial collapse of the structure and leaving only the building’s facade intact.
Eyewitness recounts dramatic moments
Lamin Kongira, who was passing by when the incident began, described the harrowing scene in an interview with BBC Scotland News. He said the fire originated under the shop counter, possibly stemming from a charging adapter system with multiple chargers.
"I ran into the shop and I saw a small fire under the counter", he explained. "There was an adapter charging system – full of chargers – and the fire comes out of that."
After spotting the fire, Kongira ran to a nearby Subway sandwich shop to retrieve a fire extinguisher and attempted to put out the flames. However, his efforts were thwarted by a series of explosions inside the shop, forcing him to abandon the attempt and warn others to stay away.
"I got him out of the way because that’s the second explosion coming", Kongira recounted, referring to another individual who also tried to help. He added, "What was going through my head was the survival of people. When I see there is no way I can control it, I quickly run to block the road."
Videos posted online show Kongira urging others to keep their distance from the burning shop, with thick smoke billowing from the doorway.
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Extensive damage and public concern
The fire, which began in the vape shop, eventually spread to engulf the entire building, including its iconic dome. The flames caused severe damage, leading to the structure’s partial collapse later that evening. Firefighters continued working on-site the following morning, using aerial platforms to extinguish remaining hotspots as smoke lingered in the area.
The incident has brought shock and sadness to local residents and visitors alike. Emma Reid, a Glasgow resident, expressed her feelings, saying, "It’s just so sad. It’s such an iconic building. It’s so sad." Similarly, Rumaisah Imrane, originally from Glasgow but now living in Edinburgh, remarked, "It’s terrifying, it looks like the whole building is just gone. It’s such a beautiful part of the city and Central station is such a lovely building."
Transport and business disruptions
Glasgow Central Station has been closed to all trains since the fire broke out and is expected to remain shut for at least another day. Surrounding roads have also been sealed off, and nearby businesses, including hotels, have been evacuated. Additionally, the Blue Lagoon chip shop, a well-known spot for Glaswegians, was completely destroyed in the blaze.
Glasgow Labour MSP Paul Sweeney highlighted concerns over the future of the affected building, stating, "I spoke to building control officers last night on site. They don’t have much hope that the building can be saved at all." He referred to the structure as a "gutted shell" and compared it to a scene "out of the Blitz."
A community in shock
As residents and officials come to terms with the aftermath, the focus remains on managing the damage and ensuring public safety. The fire has left a significant mark on Glasgow’s city centre, with many lamenting the loss of a historic building and the disruptions caused to daily life. "Seeing the fire in its small form and now it has consumed the whole city, it is horrible", Kongira reflected.
With clean-up efforts underway, the city awaits further updates on the building’s condition and the reopening of Glasgow Central Station.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fire at the Glasgow vape shop near Central Station started around 15:45 on Sunday afternoon under the shop counter. Eyewitness Lamin Kongira reported it originated from a charging adapter system loaded with multiple chargers. Explosions followed, causing the blaze to spread rapidly through the 19th-century building.
The fire quickly engulfed the vape shop on Union Street, leading to a partial collapse of the four-storey historic building, leaving only the facade intact. It disrupted train services at Glasgow Central Station, which remained closed for days. Around 60 firefighters battled the flames through the night amid explosions and heavy smoke.
Lamin Kongira, passing by, saw the small fire under the counter and grabbed a fire extinguisher from a nearby Subway to fight it. Explosions forced him to retreat, after which he blocked the road for public safety. He prioritized people's survival when the fire became uncontrollable.
The blaze from the Union Street vape shop spread to the historic building connected to Glasgow Central Station, causing structural collapse. Network Rail kept the station closed Monday and likely Tuesday for safety checks. Emergency services remained on site while the fire was brought under control.
The fire destroyed most of the 1851 building housing the vape shop and nearby businesses like Sexy Coffee, Subway, and Patty & Blue Lagoon. Debris covered streets, and smoke lingered over the city center. No fatalities occurred, but evacuations and a cordon were enforced.
No one was killed in the blaze at the Union Street vape shop despite explosions and building collapse. Eyewitnesses like Lamin Kongira helped evacuate others safely. Firefighters contained it after hours, advising residents to keep windows closed due to smoke.
