Glasgow School of Art's Mackintosh building set ablaze for second time
Glasgow School of Art's iconic Mackintosh building caught fire yesterday, a year before it was set to be reopened having been extensively refurbished after another fire devastated the building four years ago.
Mackintosh Building / GSA
More than 120 firefighters were deployed by Scottish Fire and Rescue Services to tackle the fire. The building w as in the completion of being repaired having been ablaze in 2014, resulting in loss of the art work of the students at the time.
Neighbouring nightclub, the 02 ABC has also been badly damaged according to reports and videos shared through social media.
The 2014 fire had destroyed around 20% of the western wing of the building - a later extension completed in 1909, containing the library with a further 30% smoke damaged as tweeted by Paul Sweeney, Labour and Co-op member of parliament for Glasgow.
The Mackintosh building was named after Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Scotland's most famous designer.
Many people expressed their concern over social media.
This is tragic - hope fire services and all stay safe - thoughts with all dealing with the current situation
— Fiona Hyslop (@FionaHyslop) June 15, 2018
Once again, we are indebted to the bravery of our firefighters and other emergency services. This is clearly an extremely serious situation. My first thoughts tonight are for the safety of people - but my heart also breaks for Glasgow’s beloved @GSofA https://t.co/G0adVwlF20 — Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) June 16, 2018
Absolutely in bits, my most precious, favourite piece of art, gutted for you all. Was at the grad show last week and it felt like it was getting better and things were going to be ok. Thinking of the firemen, they risk such life and limb but this fire seems worse than the last. pic.twitter.com/FaEAwhUfPG
— Julia waclawski (@juleswackie) June 16, 2018