LONDON -- Tributes have poured in for the victims of Monday’s truck accident in Glasgow. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon laid flowers at the scene as hundreds express condolences on social media.
Police confirmed Tuesday that five females and one male were killed in the accident; three were related. Jack Sweeney, his wife Helen Lorraine, and his granddaughter Erin McQuade were named on social media.
Ten others were injured in the incident, six of whom are still in the hospital and one of whom is in critical condition.
First Minister @NicolaSturgeon has arrived at George Square. pic.twitter.com/IcBMT7HgGk
— James Cook (@BBCJamesCook) December 23, 2014
A rubbish truck careened up Queen Street in the city centre at about 2:30 p.m. on Monday before crashing in George Square. It flattened street signs and struck several pedestrians before hitting the Millenium Hotel near the entrance to Queen Street station.
Glasgow City Council, which operates the rubbish trucks, confirmed that three employees were in the lorry before the crash. Eyewitnesses on the scene said that the driver had been slumped over the wheel, leading some to believe he had suffered a heart attack.
Exclusive video: the #GeorgeSquare accident as it unfolded. http://t.co/czEWocQOxu https://t.co/GkLi6VGtRu
— Grant Gibson (@grant_gibson) December 23, 2014
Sturgeon paid testament to the people who helped at the scene during an interview with BBC Radio’s Good Morning Scotland programme.
“I think all of us watching on our televisions were again struck by just how readily people run into a scene of potential danger to help those who have been injured,” she said. “There is something quite incredible about the spirit in this city. Everybody knows it is a big city with a big, big heart.”
“This morning it is a city with a broken heart but it will get through this as it got through the Clutha tragedy,” she added, referring to the helicopter crash in November 2013 that killed 10 people.
Scottish novelist Irvine Welsh was among those who paid tributes as flags flew at half-mast over government buildings.
Awful tragedy in Glasgow yesterday. Thoughts with families and friends of victims of this.
— Irvine Welsh (@IrvineWelsh) December 23, 2014
Flags at half mast at SG buildings today #Glasgow #georgesquare pic.twitter.com/0syo5JT3RO
— Fiona Wilson (@fionamwils) December 23, 2014
People give @policescotland officers flowers to lay at the scene of the #GeorgeSquare bin lorry crash in #Glasgow pic.twitter.com/ZP3GOrGL3a
— Shiona E McCallum (@shionamc) December 23, 2014
Floral tributes to victims being moved from George Square to GOMA pic.twitter.com/Tw376djXQo
— David Bateman (@davidwbateman) December 23, 2014
Glaswegians leave floral tributes for the victims of the George Square crash https://t.co/ac5oOJoP0a
— Libby Brooks (@libby_brooks) December 23, 2014
"This is another terribly sad, heartbreaking day during what should be a joyful festive season," Glasgow City Council leader Gordon Matheson told BBC News.
Church of Scotland Moderator John Chalmers also expressed his condolences. "The news from the city centre of Glasgow just a few days before Christmas is simply devastating," he said.
"For the second year in a row, Glaswegians will have to dig deep into their reserves of compassion and sympathy as they support the families of those who have been killed and injured today," Chalmers added.
A book of condolence, allowing the public to record their messages, has been opened at the City Chambers.
The Lord Provost has opened a book of condolence at the City Chambers and members of the public are invited to sign #GeorgeSquare
— Glasgow City Council (@GlasgowCC) December 23, 2014