This past Friday, a helicopter crashed down into a Glasgow pub killing eight people.
The Police Scotland aircraft collided into The Clutha pub at 11:30 P.M. It is estimated that about 120 people were in the pub at the time. All three of the people inside the helicopter and five of the people in the pub are confirmed to have died. The three in the helicopter were a civilian pilot and two police officers.
Thirty-two further people were taken to local hospitals. Eighteen have been treated and discharged, while an additional 14 people are still being treated for “very serious injuries.” Dr. Jennifer Armstrong, medical director at the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said, “The main injuries we have seen include chest injuries, head injuries, long-bone fractures and lacerations.”
Many of the pub’s patrons either escaped or were rescued, but a collapse on the left side of the building trapped the others. Police Scotland Chief Constable Sir Stephen House told a news conference that they would remain on scene “for many days yet” to rescue them. He said, “This is a complex and ongoing rescue operation. It will not be a quick operation. It is a very complicated and indeed dangerous scene.”
William Byrne, 45, from Coatbridge, recounts his experience in the pub.”There was a loud bang. Then there was dust and the lights went out. It was surreal. 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.”
According to the BBC, a significant number of personnel from Police Scotland, The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Scottish Ambulance Service are still at the scene. The Air Accidents Investigations Branch is conducting a major investigation as to what caused this fatal crash.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon showed her empathy for the Scottish people: “Our hearts go out to everyone who has been bereaved. It is impossible to imagine the grief and loss that they are experiencing. They should know that the thoughts and prayers of everyone across the city, and indeed across Scotland, are with them at this unimaginably difficult time.”