Commuters evacuated from Glasgow subway after train catches fire

THOUSANDS of commuters were evacuated from the Glasgow Subway today after a train caught fire at St Enoch station in the city centre.

• Burning smell reported from train that had stopped at St Enoch station

• 15-stations underground circle was closed for around 30 minutes

• Strathclyde Fire and Rescue confirmed the incident had been caused by a ‘minor mechanical issue’

The 15-station underground circle was shut down for about half an hour shortly after 4:30pm when a “smell of burning” was reported.

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, which runs the system, said the closure was a safety precaution. until firefighters declared the station safe.

Strathclyde Fire & Rescue said the incident was caused by a “minor mechanical issue”.

Trains running on the anti-clockwise circle resumed about 5pm but disruption continued on the clockwise circle while the train was moved to the depot in Govan.

A Strathclyde Fire & Rescue spokeswoman said: “We appreciate there may have been considerable disruption whilst essential checks were made, and appreciate the patience displayed by Glasgow’s commuters this afternoon.”