Students flee after fire breaks out

Feb 7 2012

Students have been evacuated from at least two university buildings after a fire broke out.

The blaze started in the University of Strathclyde's James Weir building on Montrose Street, Glasgow, at around 7.30pm on Tuesday.

It is understood the adjoining Union, on John Street, also had to be evacuated.

Charandeep Singh, president of the University of Strathclyde Students' Association, posted the news on social networking site Twitter.

He said: "James Weir building in University of Strathclyde on fire. I have called the fire brigade."

The building is understood to house lecture theatres and classrooms for engineering students, and reports have suggested the fire may have been caused by chemicals.

A statement posted on the university's Facebook page said: "All classes in the James Weir Building on Wednesday 8 February have been cancelled. This is due to a fire which broke out in the building earlier tonight.

"Students will have access to other University facilities as normal and we will keep you up to date with developments throughout the day."

Montrose Street was closed to all traffic between Cathedral Street and George Street and motorists were advised to avoid the area.

There are no reports of any injuries.