We pray for all those killed or injured in the terrible accident.
Latest reports indicate eight people died and dozens were hospitalized after a police helicopter crashed into a busy pub late Friday night in Glasgow Scotland according to police in a press conference Saturday. All three aboard the police chopper were killed in the crash and five more were found dead inside the pub.
Chief constable Stephen House said specialist teams are still working to make sure everyone is recovered from the scene where revelers were packed into the pub when the helicopter crashed through the roof. Witnesses described a noisy, dusty scene inside the popular bar, where about 120 people were listening to a band. Photo’s at the scene on Stockwell Street, located near the banks of the River Clyde, showed a helicopter smashed into the roof of The Clutha pub. The crash, which occurred around 10:30 p.m. appeared to have caved in parts of the roof.
Labour party spokesman Jim Murphy, who was present at the scene, helped authorities pull people out of the pub. “I just saw dozens and dozens of people coming out of the pub,” he told Sky News. “It is a horrible, horrible scene.” He said a human chain formed to help pass unconscious people out of the pub.
Fraser Gibson, 34, was in the pub and described what he said sounded like “a giant explosion.” “Part of the room was covered in dust. We didn’t know what had happened. We froze for a second; there was panic and then people trying to get out the door.” Gordon Smart, editor of the Scottish edition of the Sun newspaper said “It fell like a stone. The engine seemed to be spluttering.”
In a tweet, Prime Minister David Cameron said: “My thoughts are with everyone affected by the helicopter crash in Glasgow – and the emergency services working tonight.”
