Our sympathies go to the victims of last night’s disaster in Glasgow
Late last night, a police helicopter crashed into the busy Clutha Vaults pub in Glasgow. It’s thought that as many as 120 people may have been inside at the time. One person has been confirmed dead but Police Scotland warn that more fatalities are expected. The BBC believes that three people have died. 32 were taken to three hospitals around the city.
Library picture of the police helicopter. Three people were on board at the time of the crash
The people of Glasgow responded magnificently. Some went back into the pub to help rescue the injured. The emergency services too responded very quickly – fire, police and ambulance crews arrived within minutes.
Chief Constable, Sir Stephen House, expressed the deep sorrow within Police Scotland and said the force’s thoughts were with the people involved. He described the on-going rescue efforts as a “difficult and sensitive operation”. The First Minister, Alex Salmond, said his condolences went “to those who will be bereaved and solidarity with those who have been injured. This is a black day for Glasgow and Scotland,” he added, “but it is also St Andrew’s Day and we can take pride in how we respond to adversity. The response from our emergency services and citizens has been exemplary.”