But lawyers for bereaved say delay in proceedings has been ‘regrettable’

A FATAL accident inquiry into the Clutha helicopter disaster is to be held, it was announced yesterday.

The Crown Office revealed the move just days before the fourth anniversary of the tragedy, in which 10 people died.

Last night, victims’ families welcomed the news that the inquiry had finally been given the go-ahead.

But they questioned the delay and the resolve of prosecutors to give them real answers about why their loved ones died.

Court papers initiating the probe are expected to be lodged in the middle of next year, close to five years after the disaster.

The three-person crew of a police copter died, along with seven pubgoers, when their aircraft crashed into the Glasgow riverside bar on November 29, 2013.

Making the inquiry announcement yesterday, the Crown Office added there is not enough evidence now to justify criminal proceedings – but they reserved the right to prosecute in the future if new information came to light.

Andrew Henderson, of Thompsons Solicitors, who are representing some families, said: “While it will be welcome news for our clients that there is now some movement on beginning the FAI process, it’s highly regrettable it has taken so long.

“The purpose of FAIs is to make recommendations that will stop similar tragedies in the future and so the process moving forward in a timely fashion is crucial.”

Ian O’Prey, whose son Mark died in The Clutha, said: “I’m glad something is finally happening but I don’t hold out much hope of ever getting any real answers.

“I don’t think the Crown Office is fit for purpose when it comes to this sort of thing.

“I remember back in 2014 being told the FAI would be held within a year. I fear that what we will get will be a whitewash.”