Tam's Tall Tales
- Tragedy in Glasgow's George Square
Tragedy in Glasgow's George Square
The circumstances surrounding the tragedy of 22nd December when six people lost their lives and ten others were injured in the centre of Glasgow remain a mystery. The police have undertaken an inquiry but nothing has been made public as yet. It is likely that an official Fatal Accident Inquiry will be launched to investigate the circumstances but that could result in a lengthy delay before any light is shed on the cause of the accident. The driver of the vehicle was one of the injured taken to hospital but he has now been released from hospital.
What is known is that a local authority refuse collection vehicle (known locally as a "bin lorry") hit a pedestrian in Queen Street, near Royal Exchange Square and then continued up the road to busy George Square before crashing into an hotel at the entrance to the railway station, some 300 yards from the initial impact. The driver was reported to have been slumped over the wheel while it travelled out off control. There are reports that the driver had no previous health problems.
Hundreds of people laid flowers in the street in the days following the accident. The tragedy resulted in the Christmas lights in George Square being put out and the entertainment facilities including the Ferris Wheel, Carousel and Ice Rink ceased to operate as a mark of respect. The shut down lasted for several days but eventually restarted.
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Tam O'Ranter
May 2014Return to Tam O'Ranter Index
