Cops say explosion blaze not suspicious
POLICE have confirmed a dramatic fire is not being treated as suspicious. Around 30 firefighters worked through the night yesterday tackling a blaze at a derelict building.
The alarm was raised at 8.40pm on Thursday about the incident on Duke Street, Glasgow.
Nearby residents claimed their homes shook with the force of an explosion believed to be caused by the fire.
It is understood there were gas canisters in the vicinity of the blaze.
Six appliances were sent to the scene to tackle the fire.
There were still six appliances dealing with the incident at 6.30am yesterday morning.
At around 1.30pm yesterday, one appliance remained at the scene and smoke was still carrying over to the road behind the Forge Shopping Centre.
Greg Hepburn, SNP councillor for Calton, said: “I can only thank the emergency services for their swift response in attending to the situation.
“I would however ask anyone who has information that they believe to be of interest in relation to any of this incident to please contact the police.”
There were no reports of any injuries. Trains were halted by the blaze, with journeys stopping at Garrowhill and Bellgrove.
Cars were diverted away from the section of Duke Street affected and neighbouring Todd Street was also closed to traffic.
A police spokeswoman said: “Around 8.55pm on Thursday, June 18, 2020, officers were called to a fire in a derelict building on Duke Street.
“Officers attended to assist the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and a number of local road closures were put in place.”