City comes together

Rescue staff work tirelessly to make the building safe before removing the helicopter.

GLASGOW city council has started a fund for those directly affected by the Clutha bar helicopter crash.

Nine people have been confirmed dead as a result of the Friday night accident – including the helicopter pilot and two police officers who were passengers – while 32 have been injured.

The charitable funds will be made available, administered by the council, for those who find themselves suffering hardship.

Details on how the public can help will also be made available at some point.

PIC PHIL WILKINSON.TSPL / JOHNSTON PRESS

THE CLLUTHA , HELICOPTER CRASH , GLASGOW.
THE SCENE TODAY AS THE WRECKAGE OF THE POLICE HELICOPTER IS REMOVED FROM THE CLUTHA PUB , AND TAKEN AWAY FOR INVESTIGATION INTO FRIDAY EVENINGS CRASH WHICH HAS LEFT NINE PEOPLE DEAD.

FLORAL TRIBUTES START TO MASS AS MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOW COMPASSION FOR THE VICTIMS. — PIC PHIL WILKINSON.TSPL / JOHNSTON PRESS THE CLLUTHA , HELICOPTER CRASH , GLASGOW. THE SCENE TODAY AS THE WRECKAGE OF THE POLICE HELICOPTER IS REMOVED FROM THE CLUTHA PUB , AND TAKEN AWAY FOR INVESTIGATION INTO FRIDAY EVENINGS CRASH WHICH HAS LEFT NINE PEOPLE DEAD. FLORAL TRIBUTES START TO MASS AS MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOW COMPASSION FOR THE VICTIMS.

Council leader Gordon Matheson said: “Those who are already suffering physically and emotionally need time to recover and to grieve.

“Money will be very far from their thoughts, but Glasgow will not allow their suffering to be compounded by financial plight in their hour of need.

“There will be people who are unable to work, or who face a lengthy road to recovery. Families face uncertain times ahead without loved ones,

“We can and will help them in the days, weeks and months ahead – and we know many of our fellow Glaswegians will also want to lend their support.”

A benefit gig – with Esperanza headlining – is also being planned. Esperanza is the band who were playing last Friday night when the accident occurred.

On Monday, the lord provost, councillor Sadie Docherty, along with councillor Matheson attended a service at Glasgow Cathedral in remembrance of the victims.

Later on, the lord provost signed a book of condolence in the city chambers with councillor Matheson, cabinet secretary for justice Kenny MacAskill and Police Scotland chief constable Sir Stephen House.

The lord provost said: “The tragic events of Friday night have left Glasgow with a real sense of shock and deep sorrow.

“However, there is also pride in how the city has responded to such adversity and a renewed belief in the courage and compassion of our fellow citizens.

“I fell that too. I have never been more proud to be a Glaswegian.”