OMG, a helicopter crashed into the Clutha Inn in Glasgow

[GoodNeighbour]

Just heard this on BBC News 24.

I hope everybody is ok.
What on earth?!!

The city really is subdued today, thought Jim Murphy, Alex Salmond and Gordon Matheson all spoke well.

It's just beyond anyone's imagination that something like this could happen when going for a Friday night drink.

It's just so shocking. I was born & brought up in Glasgow - I lived there for over 30 years.

It doesn't surprise me that locals ran to the scene to help - that's Glasgow for you.

But more than anything I really feel for the families of those who have sadly lost their lives. Such a tragedy.

I've lived in Glasgow twice in my life, and it's been our family home for nearly 9 years now. So proud of the folk in my adopted city today, so sad for those affected by this. A friend of hours was in the bar earlier in the evening but had left before the crash - mightily relieved to hear he's ok.

It sounds like the pilot managed to close off the fuel tanks before they crashed which will have saved a lot of lives. I shudder to think how many would have died if there had been a fire or explosion too.

nomoreloser so glad to hear that your dp is ok, i have been thinking of you all day.

Scottishmummy, I know. DH is in the police. I've seen him walk in and be all cheery with the children, eat his dinner, laugh his way through a programme on the telly, and then casually mention on the way to bed something horrific he's seen that day. He definitely compartmentalises. I think most people in difficult jobs do.

Reported, pinca - if you are not a computer, you do realise what this thread is about, yes?

Get lost.

I have reported too

The pilot has come up as a friend of a friend. I was worried about friends who live there and often go to gigs in the Clutha. I was so relieved when I found they were safe. I'm not in Glasgow but this tragedy has affected the whole of Scotland if not the uk.
Just awful.

I think it is harder to compartmentalise if you are dealing with colleagues though.

DH knows the crew. He has been part of the rescue operation. He never brings emotions home with him but this morning he was like a broken man. I do not know how to help him because how can you rationalise something so random and tragic.

My thoughts go out to everyone involved.

Just seen on Twitter that one of the Glasgow taxi firms is offering free rides to people who have relatives in hospital due to the disaster!

So sorry to hear that didiandb, you're right about the compartmentalising. I'm so sorry your OH has been so affected. Mine didn't know the crew. He's on annual leave at the moment. He rushed into the shower and got dressed to go in, but there was no need for his specialism.

A sad time for police Scotland.

Didiandb - my heart goes out to your DH.

Didiandb - my thoughts are with your husband

Oh, didi, that must be so hard for your DH - compartmentalisation only goes so far

It would appear that the pilot was quick-thinking, even when his own life was in danger

This woman's words brought an insight to the emergency services and those who helped.
I wept with sadness and also pride for the bravery and sense of community shown by the people of Glasgow.

Nomoreloser so glad to hear your dp is alive , hope he recovers soon. I thought of you when I saw the latest news on the bbc.

It's a horrible tragedy, and the randomness of it makes it worse, my thoughts go out to those lost, those grieving and those affected.

Thank you all for your kind thoughts.

I've never seen DH upset like this so I am just trying hard to listen and be there for him.

We are both just grateful for what we have I guess. Life can be so cruel. :(

That's a wonderfully written piece Artisan

Tristan thank you for sharing that it's beautiful.

Nomoreloser I'm thinking of you.

I think it is well documented - it is the top story on the bbc news site.

Been thinking about you NoMoreLoser. You must be so relieved.

I used to put on bands in glasgow and my heart sank when I saw Esperanza were playing-they always bring in a good crowd.

It's all so sad :( The mp on the news was so obviously in shock this morning :( just praying they find survivors in the rubble :(

stickysausage, I don't think that they are still looking for survivors which suggests to me that everybody has been accounted for.