Three people have died after a police helicopter crashed into a busy pub in Glasgow, the BBC understands.
Police Scotland have confirmed one death but said they expected the final number of fatalities would be higher. A rescue operation is continuing. The crash happened at The Clutha in Stockwell Street at 22:25 on Friday.There were three people on board the helicopter – two officers and a civilian pilot. Thirty-two people have been taken to local hospitals. Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond told a press conference it was a “black day for Scotland.”
Prime Minister David Cameron paid tribute to the bravery of the “ordinary Glaswegians” who rushed to help. Chief Constable Sir Stephen House confirmed that one person had died and further fatalities were expected after the helicopter crashed on to the roof of the pub. He said they “can’t say definitively” whether there are people still trapped within the pub, and added “we are still in a search and recovery phase”. Chief Constable House went on: “This is a very difficult and sensitive operation. The scene is, as you will understand, a particularly challenging one. “Given the damage caused and the nature of the damage, it will take some time to complete the search of the building and to assess how we begin the investigation. “Clearly the safety of those conducting the search is of the highest importance.” Mr Salmond said: “This is a black day for Glasgow and Scotland 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.” It has been reported that about 120 people were in the pub at the time of the crash. Many were rescued or escaped but others were trapped by a collapse on the left-hand side of the building. Emergency services have erected barriers around the scene and specialist rescue teams remain at the scene. • A large area of the city centre has been cordoned off • A tarpaulin has been put up over roof of pub • Injured have been taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Western Infirmary and the Victoria Infirmary • Some of those who were in pub taken to a nearby Holiday Inn Express • Police Scotland Casualty Bureau number is 0800 092 0410 – for those concerned about relatives • Glasgow City Council has opened a family reception centre at 40 John Street • Investigation into what happened is under way • Air Accident Investigation Branch is in Glasgow • Mass to be held at 13:00 in St Andrew’s Cathedral in Glasgow for those involved in crash and emergency services involved in response • Glasgow City Council has cancelled St Andrew’s Day celebrations in George Square as a mark of respect. Speaking from the press conference at the multi-agency command centre in Glasgow, Fire Scotland deputy chief officer Alex Clark said: “Along with our emergency service colleagues, we responded very, very quickly and pulled out all the measures that we possibly could in order to rescue people who were affected by this incident. “I can assure you that until such time as there is an inevitable outcome we will undoubtedly remain on site and carry on our rescue activities in the best way that we possibly can.” Gary Hardacre, who is leading the Scottish Ambulance Service response, said: “All of our thoughts and condolences are with those that have been affected by this tragic incident. “We have been working with our partners in the police and fire service to ensure a joined-up response, and provide the best possible care that we can for the people affected by this.”William Byrne, 45, from Coatbridge, who was in the pub when the helicopter came down, returned to the scene this morning. “There was a loud bang. Then there was dust and the lights went out. It was surreal,” he told BBC Scotland. ‘We didn’t know what had happened. At our side of the pub at least two people were trapped under the gantry. Myself and others lifted it up and managed to get them out. I spent some time with one injured man.” He added: “At our side of the pub I would say there were less than 10 people injured, mainly walking wounded, not seriously injured. One girl had clearly been hit on the head – she had a big bump. “The other side of the pub took the brunt. Myself and my friends managed to get out without a scratch. Everyone helped everyone else to get out.” Helicopter operator Bond Air Services said it was working with the
police and emergency services. A statement added: “Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by this tragic incident.” Jim Murphy, the Labour MP for East Renfrewshire, was in the area at the time of the crash and said he ran into the pub to help before emergency services arrived. He told the BBC there was “pandemonium” as people tried to get out of the pub. “It was almost like slow motion,” he said, adding: “People just formed a bit of human chain, side by side with each other, to help pull injured people out.” The shadow cabinet minister, who had blood on his shirt which he said was not his, described what he saw as a “horrific scene”. The band who were playing in the pub at the time of the crash, Esperanza, have released a statement on their Facebook page. Bassist Jess wrote: “Waking up and realising that it is all definitely horribly real. Despite the situation everyone was so helpful and caring of each other. “The police, ambulances, firefighters all did a stellar job and continue to do so today in extremely difficult conditions.”
