The collision, which involved a city council collection lorry, occurred on Monday afternoon (December 22) close to a busy shopping area in the centre of the city.
The vehicle was travelling north on Queen Street when it struck pedestrians outside the Gallery of Modern Art, and continued to travel towards George Square, where it crashed into the Millennium Hotel.
The cause of the accident has not yet been established, although eyewitnesses have described seeing the driver ‘slumped’ over in the vehicle’s cabin moments before the crash.
As a result of the incident six people died and ten were injured. Four of the people injured in the crash have since been discharged from hospital and six are currently receiving treatment for their injuries, including the driver of the lorry.
Injuries
According to the latest information provided by Police Scotland, one patient is in a critical condition, one patient is serious but stable and one patient is stable. A further patient who is being treated at the Western Infirmary is in a stable condition.
The six deceased have now been named as: Erin McQuade, 18, from Dumbarton, John Sweeney, 68, from Dumbarton, Helen Lorraine Sweeney, 69, from Dumbarton, Gillian Ewing, 52, from Edinburgh, Stephenie Tait, 29, from Glasgow and Jacqueline Morton, 51, from Glasgow.
Officers are currently working to establish the exact cause of the crash, and it is expected that more information will be available in the coming days.
Chief Superintendent Andy Bates, local policing commander of ‘G’ Division, said: “This is a tragic incident which occurred in the heart of Glasgow city centre at a time when people were preparing for the festive season. My thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved.
“My officers will continue to work with partner agencies to investigate the cause of the incident.
“I’m also aware that some members of the public may have video or images of the incident and it would be helpful if they could send them to georgesquareincident@scotland.pnn.police.uk. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
Appeal
Glasgow council has today opened an appeal fund for people affected by the incident. The council itself is donating £20,000 and the Lord Provost’s Goodwill Fund is also donating £20,000. Those wishing to donate have been told that the quickest and simplest way to do so is by calling 0141 287 7878 and paying by debit or credit card.
Lines will be open Monday-Friday 8am-8pm but will be closed for the public holidays over Christmas and New Year. It will close on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, reopening on December 27 and closing again for Jan 1 and 2.
Lord Provost Sadie Docherty said: “We have had tremendous offers of support already. Glaswegians started calling us to offer donations almost as soon as this tragic incident happened.
“That’s heart-warming but not surprising in a city which responds so well to tragedy.”
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