A dramatic fire broke out at a vape shop near Glasgow Central Station on Sunday afternoon, resulting in a significant portion of the historic building being consumed by flames. Eyewitness Lamin Kongira, who witnessed the initial sparks of the blaze, attempted to extinguish the flames before the situation escalated to a series of explosions, leading to the urgent evacuation of nearby establishments.
Eyewitness Account
The fire erupted around 15:45 on Sunday at a vape shop located on Union Street. Lamin Kongira, who has lived in Glasgow since 2009 and is originally from Gambia, was passing by when he heard a shopkeeper urgently calling for help. “I ran into the shop and I saw a small fire under the counter,” he recounted. The source appeared to be a charging adapter filled with multiple devices, which had ignited.
Initially, Kongira rushed to a nearby Subway restaurant to retrieve a fire extinguisher, determined to combat the flames. However, two explosions from the shop forced him to retreat. “Get back!” he shouted to passers-by, fearing further danger as the fire rapidly spread.
Firefighters Arrive
As Kongira attempted to manage the chaos, he can be seen in video footage urging onlookers to maintain a safe distance while the shop continued to billow smoke. Realising the fire was beyond his control, he took action to block the street and prevent anyone from approaching.
Once firefighters arrived, they worked diligently to combat the blaze. “Seeing the fire in its small form and now it has consumed the whole city, it is horrible,” Kongira said, expressing his despair at the rapid escalation of the incident.
By the evening, the fire had engulfed the entire building, leading to partial structural collapse and the closure of Glasgow Central Station. Roads in the vicinity were sealed off, and nearby hotels were evacuated as a precaution.
Ongoing Impact
On Monday morning, fire crews employed aerial platforms to continue dousing the remaining embers. The only part of the structure still standing was the facade at the corner of Gordon Street and Union Street, while the rest of the building lay in ruins. Eyewitnesses expressed their shock and sadness at the loss of such an iconic site.
“It’s just so sad. It’s such an iconic building,” lamented Emma Reid, a local resident. Rumaisah Imrane, who now lives in Edinburgh, echoed these sentiments, remarking on the once-beautiful architecture now devastated by fire.
Local Labour MSP Paul Sweeney voiced his concerns regarding the future of the building. “There’s the cafe, there’s the Blue Lagoon chip shop, which is famous for many Glaswegians. It’s been completely wiped out,” he stated. After speaking with building control officers, he noted that the structure was likely beyond saving, with fears that even the remaining facade would have to be demolished.
Why it Matters
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with electrical devices and the swift nature of fire. The brave actions of those like Lamin Kongira highlight the instinct to help others in times of crisis, but also underscore the importance of safety measures in public spaces. With Glasgow Central Station and surrounding businesses impacted, the community faces both an emotional and economic toll as they come to terms with the loss of a historic landmark. The fire not only devastated an iconic building but also disrupted the daily lives of many, reinforcing the need for robust fire safety protocols.
