Glasgow Vape Shop Fire: Historic Building Gutted

0:00On March 9th, a massifier tore through a vape shop next to Glasgow Central Station, Scotland's busiest rail hub on Sunday afternoon at 3.46 pm. The blaze started on the ground floor of a four-story Victorian building built in 1851 on Union Street and quickly spread, gutting the structure and leaving only the facade standing. No one was hurt, but the flames forced an evacuation of the nearby station and hotel, causing widespread travel disruptions. Earlier this week, videos captured thick black smoke pouring from the shop, as bystanders tried to fight the fire with a small extinguisher before. Explosions forced them back. Fire crews rushed in with up to 18 appliances at the peak, battling the intense heat possibly fueled by lithium batteries and vaping products. The historic dome roof collapsed amid the inferno, and the fire even crept around the corner toward Gordon Street. Several leaders and business owners expressed heartbreak over the loss, with one lawmaker comparing the scene to the devastation of the blitz.

1:02Several shops inside, including a coffee cafe, chip shop and tattoo studios, were wiped out, prompting go-fundme campaigns that have already raised. Thousands to replace lost equipment and gear. Road stayed sealed off, and nearby hotels cleared out as smoke filled the sky. As of this morning, nine fire engines and high-reach vehicles remain on site, hosing down the ruins while smoke lingers. Glasgow Central Station is still shut down with no trains running to, from or through it, and replacement buses are limited. Rail operators warn of ongoing chaos, at least through the end of the day, urging travelers to check updates. Crews and officials now assess if the remaining facade can be saved, as effective business as vow, to rebuild amid concerns for Union Street's future.