Clutha crash fatal inquiry
A FATAL accident inquiry will be held into the Clutha bar helicopter crash next year, five years after the tragedy.
Patrick McGuire, a partner in the law firm acting for families, said it had taken too long for an inquiry.
The FAI is due to open next April at Hampden Stadium.
A LAWYER acting for the bereaved families in the Clutha bar helicopter crash has welcomed the crown office decision to begin a fatal accident inquiry ( FAI) – almost five years after the disaster.
However, Patrick McGuire, a partner in Thompsons Solicitors, acting for several of the Clutha families, said it has taken too long to reach this stage.
His comments come after the crown office announced yesterday the FAI will begin in April next year.
Ten people died when a police helicopter crashed on to the roof of the Clutha in 2013, among them pilot David Traill and crew PC Tony Collins and PC Kirsty Nelis.
Seven customers were also killed: John McGarrigle, Mark O’Prey, Gary Arthur, Colin Gibson, Robert Jenkins, Samuel McGhee and Joe Cusker.
Mr McGuire added: “A Fatal Accident Inquiry is the only way the families of those who lost their lives will be able to learn what happened to their loved ones on that awful night.
“The FAI will also be able to make recommendations that will hopefully prevent a similar accident from ever happening again. I hope that the Crown Office will make sure that the families are at the very centre of this process, are kept fully informed of all developments, and are treated in a compassionate and sympathetic manner.”
The inquiry will take place at Hampden Park, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for October 3.
Those affected by the tragedy have been informed of the development, said the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
It was initially agreed lsat November an FAI would be held, with some victims’ families critical of the time taken for a decision to be made.
The helicopter crashed through the roof of the pub, which had more than 100 people inside, after two fuel supply switches went off but the pilot did not follow emergency procedure.