Fruit worker, Gary Johnstone, who was organising fruit when the fire broke out, said he couldn’t believe how rapidly the fire spread.

He said: “I just heard a bang and started to see smoke, the fire just started within seconds.

“It just tore through the building and spread rapidly. I started to run because of the smoke, and once the fire brigade arrived they were shouting for people to get out.”

The 51-year-old, who has worked at the market for seven years, said he thought the fire could cost people their jobs.

He added: “It will have a huge knock on effect for the fruit business.

“It could cost jobs, because if we can’t make our order up and get them out, there won’t be any money coming in.”

At the scene, deputy assistant chief officer John Joyce described the fire as “substantial”.

He said: “This is a substantial fire which has caused extensive damage.

“We will be on the scene until it’s been curtailed and is totally out.”

He added: “This is a landmark building with a lot of people working here. The fire started on a ground floor unit at the far side of the building.”

When asked what could have caused any loud bangs or explosions heard, he said: “They could have been caused by a number of things – pressurised containers or fuel tanks as there are lots of vehicles, forklifts and lorries around.”

The blaze began as around 400 workers began their shift selling fruit and vegetables to restaurants and bars in Scotland.

Employees at the market were safely evacuated.

They were scattered all around the cordon and said they had no idea if or when they would get access to their workplace.

The Evening Times understands that one of the main employers sent a text message to staff saying “stand by”.

One worker, who was evacuated, said that he has been there since the early hours of the morning.

He said: “The fire alarm went off and we all left what we were doing.

“Next thing we knew one of the stands was up in flames.”

The fruit market has almost 40 individual stands owned by different businesses.

Many of the market’s clients would have got access to the produce prior to the fire.

But those who came after were turned away as firefighters continue to battle the blaze which shows no signs of slowing down.

The power has also been shut off at the site as a precaution.

Police Scotland has confirmed that a joint investigation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is underway.

A spokesman for City Property, the city council organisation which runs the fruit market, thanked the emergency services for their quick response.

He added: “Our priority now is to establish alternative arrangements in order that normal business can resume as soon as possible.

“Plans are now progressing to put temporary measures into place to assist our tenants as best as we possibly can.  

“We will provide further updates as and when they become available.”

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