Police helicopter crashes into pub in Scotland, 6 dead

Image
Press Trust of India London
Last Updated : Nov 30 2013 | 3:41 PM IST
At least six people are feared dead and 32 injured after a police helicopter crashed into a pub in the Scottish city of Glasgow.
The Eurocopter EC135 T2 chopper had a crew of three consisting of two police officers and a civilian pilot as it came down on the Clutha Vaults pub last night on the bank of the River Clyde, which was packed with more than 100 people at the time who were listening to a performing band.
"There were three people on board the helicopter, two police officers and a civilian pilot, and on a busy Friday night, there were a number of customers in the bar," said Rose Fitzpatrick, deputy chief constable, Police Scotland.
"We are working hard to recover people still inside the building and we will make further details available when we have them," she said.
"A full investigation is now under way however at this early stage it is too early to provide details on why the helicopter came down," she added.
Investigators from the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) arrived on the scene this morning trying to piece together what had happened.
Alex Salmond, the First Minister for Scotland, had posted a message on Twitter saying we should "prepare ourselves for the likelihood of fatalities".
Nicola Sturgeon, Deputy First Minister of Scotland, added, "Absolutely awful news about a helicopter crashing into the Clutha. All my thoughts are with everyone involved and the emergency services."
British Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted, "My thoughts are with everyone affected by the helicopter crash in Glasgow - and the emergency services working tonight."
Police have confirmed that 32 people, with "multiple types of injury" had so far been taken to hospitals across the city - Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow Royal Infirmary and the Western Infirmary - following the crash.A
"Emergency services responded immediately and remain at the scene at the present time. Cordons have been put in place to allow the rescue operation to take place," a Police Scotland spokesperson said.
Jim Murphy, former shadow defence secretary and a Labour frontbench MP who was driving by and stopped to help, said members of the public formed a human chain to get people out of the building.
"What I saw was a pile of people clambering out of the pub, dust everywhere. People were covered in multiple injuries," he said.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Nov 30 2013 | 3:41 PM IST

Next Story