Across Scotland this Sunday, those killed in Friday’s freak helicopter crash at a packed pub in Glasgow city centre are being remembered.
As recovery efforts continue, flags are flying at half mast on government buildings and prayers are being said in church.
The safety record of the Eurocopter
EC135 T2 will be one aspect of an investigation to find out why the twin-engine Scottish Police aircraft fell from the sky “like a stone”.
Confirmed victim Gary Arthur, 48, and at least four others in the pub died as did two officers and a civilian pilot in the helicopter.
Some 24 hours on, locals gathered at the Clutha Pub were still in shock.
“I go there with friends on a sort of regular basis for, you know, a few beers and a live music venue,” said one local resident. “So, I was actually at home last night and a friend of mine had sent me a text to say: ‘Oh, by the way, there’s a helicopter crashed into The Clutha and I texted him back and said: “Oh, you’re having a joke.’”
“Really shocked,” said a woman. “Nothing like this has ever happened this close to home. And then you just think about the people going out for a Friday night out and not coming back.”
A priority now is removing the helicopter to see whether anyone remains trapped under the wreckage and caring for the 14 people seriously injured in the crash.
