Tragedy in Glasgow, Scotland.

• WigerToods2010 8,446 Posts

  Mon, Dec 22 2014 1:08 PM

  PaulTon:

  This afternoon -

   

  Six people killed as Glasgow bin lorry crashes into pedestrians

  At least seven people are seriously injured in crash in George Square as city centre was crowded with Christmas shoppers.

  Six people have been confirmed dead after an out-of-control bin lorry crashed into a group of pedestrians in the centre of Glasgow.

  The incident happened as the city centre was crowded with Christmas shoppers on Monday. Witnesses described bodies lying in the road.

  Police Scotland declared a major incident. At least seven people were seriously injured.

   

  A police statement said: “A Glasgow city council bin lorry was travelling north on Queen Street when it appeared to strike pedestrians outside the Gallery of Modern Art before continuing to travel towards George Square, when it crashed at the Millennium hotel on Queen Street at George Square.”

  Supt Stewart Carle said: “For now it does not look to be a criminal or deliberate act that has taken place here this afternoon, but we need to have time to investigate it.”

  
  

  Witnesses said they saw the bin lorry driver slumped at the wheel. Carle said the driver had been taken to hospital and was receiving treatment, but would not comment on what he was being treated for.

  Carle said: “It’s difficult for all the emergency services but particularly for those people who have been in Glasgow today shopping and getting ready for Christmas. There will be a lot of distressed people.

  “But our officers, the ambulance officers, the fire officers, the city council officers, they are all working together as quickly as possible to bring the scene to a conclusion.”

  One witness, Melanie Greg, told Sky News the lorry had travelled 150 yards along the pavement until it crashed into a building.

  
  
  

  She said: “The bin lorry just lost control. It went along the pavement, knocking everyone like pinballs. There was a baby in a buggy, and it just continued knocking people down until it ended up in the building.

  “The only way it stopped was hitting the building. People were trying to run out of the way. But when something was coming out behind them like that, how can they run out of the way?”

  Up to six ambulances were at the scene on Monday afternoon, along with the police and fire service. Roads surrounding the city centre have been closed.

  Stunned here, m8.

  So sad.

  Was in town, seen flashing lights in distance and just assumed it was the Xmas decorations around the square. Minutes later one of my lads called me to say he was watching news updates on TV - I still knew nothing at that point.

  Thoughts are with the families of the dead & injured.