The owner of the vape shop in Glasgow, where a destructive fire broke out in the city center, has expressed deep sorrow over the incident. The shop had been recently acquired by the proprietor just two weeks prior.
The fire near Central Station on Sunday evening quickly grew into a massive blaze, destroying the historic building at the corner of Union Street and Gordon Street. Over 60 firefighters and 18 fire engines were deployed to combat the intense flames.
By Monday morning, the Victorian building, listed as B-listed and having survived both World Wars, lay in ruins.
Arslan, who was not present during the fire, is actively seeking information on how the tragedy unfolded. In an interview with the Sun, he expressed his grief and disappointment over the accident.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the fire originated within the vape shop. Assistant Chief Officer David Farries highlighted the need for an investigation to determine the cause of the rapid fire spread.
Fire crews made a significant effort to prevent the fire from spreading to a neighboring hotel near Glasgow Central station.
Footage showed brave bystanders rushing into the burning shop to try to extinguish the flames before emergency services arrived.
Callum Robertson, 18, from Uddingston, South Lanarkshire, described his attempt to tackle the fire as he and his friend encountered the blaze shortly after it started.
Despite their efforts, the fire grew rapidly, and an explosion occurred, forcing them to move to a safe distance while firefighters worked to contain the inferno.