Trains cancelled following Glasgow blaze

ALL trains between Dumfries and Glasgow are cancelled following a significant fire next to Central Station. The fire broke out at a neighbouring shop on Union Street at 3.45 pm on Sunday. At its peak there were 18 Scottish Fire and Rescue appliances including three high-reach vehicles are at the scene. The B-listed Victorian building collapsed several hours later as flames spread. As of this morning, nine fire appliances and three high-reach vehicles remain at the scene. A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We were alerted at 3.46pm on Sunday, 8 March, to reports of a fire affecting the ground floor of a four-storey commercial building on Union Street, Glasgow. "At its height, 18 appliances and specialist resources were mobilised. The incident has since been scaled back and nine appliances, including three high-reach vehicles, remain in attendance. "There are no reported casualties." It means that no ScotRail services will operate to or from Glasgow Central high level, disruption is expected to last throughout the day with no estimate on when the station will reopen. Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said:“Unfortunately, we will not be able to operate train services in or out of Glasgow Central high level tomorrow following the impact of the major fire near to the station. Our trains which operate via Glasgow Central low level will continue to run, but will not stop at the station. “We are sorry to customers for the impact this will cause, and we would urge them to check their journey options before they travel, and we aware there will be very limited replacement transport. “We will keep customers updated via our social media channels, and you can also visit our website, or use the ScotRail app to find out what services will be operating.” Network rail has now stated that station is likely to remain closed on Tuesday until safety checks can be carried out, a spokesperson for Network Rail added: “While the fire is now under control, emergency services are still on site and we continue to support their response. “The station will remain closed today and likely tomorrow. Timescales for reopening will only be confirmed once we are able to safely gain access and carry out the necessary checks. “All services to and from Glasgow Central are currently suspended, and passengers should continue to follow alternative travel arrangements as advised by their train operators. “We will provide further updates as soon as more information is available.”