Glasgow Vape Shop Inferno Traced to Charger Bank Under Counter
A courageous passerby who attempted to combat a fierce blaze that erupted in a Glasgow vape shop has revealed that the devastating fire originated from a 'bank of chargers under the counter'. Lamin Kongira, a 42-year-old chef, was walking along Union Street on Sunday afternoon when he noticed smoke billowing from the shop and witnessed a person fleeing the premises.
Heroic Efforts Thwarted by Explosions
Mr Kongira entered the store intending to stop the fire's spread but was forced to retreat after two powerful explosions. He discovered the flames emanating from a collection of chargers positioned behind the counter. Despite searching for a fire extinguisher within the shop, he found none and had to rush to a neighboring Subway restaurant to obtain one.
'I had to run out quickly to go next door, where there's a Subway. That's where I grabbed this firefighting thing,' Mr Kongira explained. 'But unfortunately, that finished and it could not stop it. The explosion comes. When the first explosion comes that's when I knew I couldn't control it any more.'
After a second, more substantial explosion occurred before firefighters arrived, Mr Kongira suffered headaches from smoke inhalation, which he treated with water and paracetamol. Having lived in Glasgow for 15 years, he felt compelled to act because Central Station is 'monumental' to him, representing a structure that contributed to his life in the city.
Historic Building Partially Collapses
The inferno led to the partial collapse of the historic four-storey commercial building, constructed in 1851 and designed by architect James Brown. The blaze also forced the closure of adjacent Glasgow Central Station, causing significant travel disruption across the city. Labour MSP Paul Sweeney likened the damage to 'something out of the Blitz', expressing concerns about the building's remaining viability.
'The building is a gutted shell,' Mr Sweeney stated. 'I spoke to building control officers last night on site. They don't have much hope that the building can be saved at all.'
Business Owners Devastated by Losses
Numerous business proprietors have recounted fleeing the burning building and lamented losing everything in the fire. Arslan Ali, owner of the vape shop where the blaze began, described himself as 'in grief' and standing with all affected, though he declined further comment.
Scott Martin McAnally, 29, owner of Lucky in Love Tattoos, revealed his entire shop is now 'rubble'. Currently residing on an island north of Scotland, he was unable to reach Glasgow immediately. 'I just bought my first house a few months ago and we found out my wife is pregnant last month,' he said. 'This is the last thing I need.'
Other affected businesses include:
- Sam Hendry's S'Amuse Studio beauty parlour, with an estimated £15,000 loss
- Carina McCreery's Hard As Gels nail bar, opened just four months ago
- Joe Diaz's hairdressing studio, which was uninsured
Mr Diaz, 33, was with a client and his partner when they noticed thick smoke spreading. 'We were right at the edge of getting out of there in time,' he recalled. 'The first floor was fully covered in smoke. That was really scary.' He has since initiated a crowdfunding campaign to rebuild his studio.
Building Ownership and Planning Details
The Victorian building is part of several neighboring outlets owned by property firm Afton Estates Limited, which purchased the block for £540,000 in 2008. Companies House documents list Michael and Kenna Tasker as directors of Afton Estates. A planning application to convert the unit into a hot-food takeaway was rejected by Glasgow City Council in December 2023.
Ongoing Travel Disruption and Official Response
Glasgow Central Station remains closed, with all services suspended and alternative travel arrangements advised. Network Rail indicated that reopening timescales will depend on safety assessments. Downing Street paid tribute to the bravery of firefighters and expressed sympathy for those who lost businesses and livelihoods.
'Clearly, this has been a devastating incident for Glasgow,' the Prime Minister's official spokesman said. 'Our thoughts also go to those who have lost businesses and livelihoods.'
As investigations continue, the community grapples with the aftermath of a fire that has reshaped a historic part of Glasgow's city centre.
