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?!!

In fact, I'm certain there is only one in Glasgow. We have requested use of it for incidents and on occasion it's out of action for whatever reason, there isn't a fleet to choose from. And when it has to return to base for refuelling, you have to wait for that one to return.

Holy shit. I was fast asleep last night and have woke up this morning to loads of missed calls and texts from family trying to make sure I was okay

I can't believe it. I live just between town and the west end. DP and I watch that helicopter flying over our flat every night as the helipad is a few minutes' walk from us. So tragic.

It has crashed right beside where I get my bus to work too.

They say that at least 3 people have been confirmed dead, but number certain to rise. Just said on Radio 4.

Such a tragedy.

am almost certain there's is only one which is the strathclyde police one that was.

Bbc just saying its been confirmed 3 dead and they're expecting that to rise.

They have just had a guy in whose dad was there last night and hasn't been heard from since. He says he usually sits right where the copter fell.

So so desperately sorry for everyone involved and the families of those who lost their lives.

I really hope the actions of the mosque gets highlighted. Also those people who ran towards the accident not knowing if the copter was about to blow or not. Tremendous bravery.

There is a poster on the chat thread whose neighbour flies the heli for the police, and she said all his lights are off, so it looks like hes in work :(

at the news of confirmed deaths.
RIP x

Or he had an early night, or is away for the weekend...

Pacific that reporter on that BBC news link is a total wank, isn't he. The fireman handled it well.

The other helicopter that sits beside it sometimes is a yellow one I think, so not sure if it's an actual police one, or a back up maybe.

It's horrible news; I really hope all the MNers with relatives that might have been there, & that are as yet unaccounted for, get good news.

Sort of had a weird moment thinking about the relief I felt whenever anyone checked in like mignonette - guilt that I could feel a bit better in any way when such a terrible thing has happened. Three families at least will be grieving today & my heart goes out to them.

puffinnuffin - your post reminds me of the time when the bomb went off in the Arndale... my DM was mildly worried but her overwhelming thought was that I wouldn't have got up in time to be affected. She was right - hope you hear from your DN soon, even so.

awful awful news

Just said it is now 6 confirmed deaths. And is "no longer a rescue effort", I don't know what that means.

Thinking of all of the families affected by this terrible tragedy.

Baker, I think that might be the air ambulance. The police won't have a back up. We can't even get spare cars or equipment!

Totally devastating, so many people gearing towards a month of festivities, would be the last thing you could expect to happen

Thoughts and prayers to all affected, puts things into perspective, doesn't it.

Apparently they have set up a blood bank at Nelson Mandela's place and asked as many people as possible to go and give blood. The queues are so big already they have got all the people they'll need.

I love Glaswegians.

awful news. thinking of all those affected, or awaiting news of loved ones, and those wonderful professionals and members of the public working on scene. so sad.

DH wondered if police choppers will be grounded now? Until the cause is found. The Pilot managed to switch off the fuel supply before impact, which will have avoided a catastrophe. Hope they get people out safely as the day goes on. Very sad :( We were at a concert next to the helipad last Friday & the chopper is out & about constantly.

Sleepless night until I found that my cousin was safe. He is usually in there listening to bands but has a bad cold so had an early night. He didn't realise anyone would be worrying about him.
A recovery operation? Does that mean they don't think anyone else will be found alive.

No longer a rescue effort - oh no.

BAkERSTREETSAX, in all of this, it is the thought of those people queing to give blood, responding however they can, that had made me teary.

I think so drama. Some places now reporting 6 confirmed dead bbc still saying 3. The dogs are in helping search.

If the pilot did manage to shut off the fuel he is a hero as he has doubtless saved many more lives, an explosion in that crowded little pub would have been - I'm struggling for words as I want to say catastrophic but what has happened already is.

Scotblood aren't calling for blood donors. They have just posted on FB

In light of the major incident in Glasgow last night, please be assured that blood stocks are adequate at this time. Should we need donors to come forward to replenish stocks, we will let you know. Thank you.

Just in case anyone was thinking of going to donate.

Such a tragic accident. My thoughts are with everyone involved.

The poster on the other thread says her pilot neighbour is fine.

shona has just posted on the chat thread that the pilot was NOT her neighbour. someones family, neighbour, friend though. its awful. the timing for St Andrews day is poignant too.

Wherever you are, giving blood is always a good thing to do (they can bike it to where it's needed). So even if you're miles from the incident, donating now - or at any time so stocks are always at good levels - will always help. But no need to rush to do it specifically today.