Glasgow ‘explosion’ as emergency crews race to battle huge fire near M8

Firefighters are at the scene in Glasgow city centre

An ‘explosion’ has been reported in Glasgow city centre after a van went up in flames near the M8 late on Tuesday evening.

Reports suggest a van ‘exploded twice’ and ‘caught fire’ while parked on a street in the Cowcaddens area of the city. It is said to be underneath the ‘M8 construction zone’.

Images from the scene show a vehicle on fire, with a crowd of onlookers watching as a thick plume of smoke rises.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has told the Record it was first called to reports of a van vehicle fire on Phoenix Road at 11:23pm on Tuesday evening (August 18). Shortly before 1am, a spokesperson confirmed three fire appliances were in attendance at the incident.

The service has not issued any warnings to avoid the area to the public, they added. Phoenix Road is directly underneath the M8’s Woodside Viaduct.

The motorway viaduct is currently closed to allow roadworks to take place and strengthen the structure.

Traffic Scotland, the organisation which runs the country’s motorways, confirmed the M8 was ‘restricted’ this evening from Junction 16 (Craighall) to Junction 18 (Charing Cross).

A statement said: “The M8 is currently restricted in both directions between Junction 16 and Junction 18 due to essential bridge repair works. Expect delays.”

This is a breaking story, with more to follow.