A popular bar for locals and tourists in the heart of Glasgow was the scene of a deadly helicopter crash tonight, Friday, Nov. 29.
Eight people died and 14 others were seriously injured in the crash, reported Reuters Nov. 30. Emergency workers sifted through the rubble of the roof that came down on the packed nightclub’s patrons after the helicopter crashed into it late Friday night.
Two police officers and one civilian were on board the helicopter, reported eTurbo News.
Clutha Vaults, a nightclub, was packed with revelers amidst a performance of local band, Esperanza, when the police chopper crashed into the roof of the club, according to First Minister Alex Salmond.
“Midway through their set it sounded like a giant explosion,” says Fraser Gibson, 34, who was inside the club watching his former bandmates perform with his brother, reported the BBC.
“Part of the room was covered in dust. We didn’t know what had happened. We froze for a second; there was panic and then people trying to get out the door,” continues Gibson, who estimates about 120 people were inside the club.
“A lot of people managed to get out straight away, but it was hard to tell how many were actually trapped in the other half of the bar,” says Fraser.
“Given an incident of this scale we must all prepare ourselves for the likelihood of fatalities,” says Alex.
Multiple injuries have been reported and a “pile of people” clambering out of a pub, says Jim Murphy, shadow development secretary. Authorities haven’t confirmed if there are fatalities or major injuries as of the end of Friday.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service rapidly arrived on the scene. Up to 15 fire engines arrived on the scene along with specialist services.
Political officials responded immediately tweeting out their condolences to the victims and support for emergency crews at the scene of the crash.
Deputy First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon to Prime Minister of the United Kingdom David Cameron expressed their horror and concerns for the victims on Twitter.
It was “absolutely awful news,” tweets Nicola. “My thoughts are with everyone involved and the emergency services.”
David agrees, tweeting, “My thoughts are with everyone affected by the helicopter crash in Glasgow – and the emergency services working tonight.”
An estimated crowd of 250 people concerned about loved ones who might have been inside the club at the time of the crash have gathered outside the nightclub, reported ITV Granada.
Updated 11/30/2013: This article was updated to report the deaths and injuries of the patrons of the nightclub after the helicopter crash.
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