TONIGHT the Clutha Vaults pub in Glasgow will fall silent to commemorate those who died in a tragic helicopter crash five years ago.
The pub’s owner Alan Crossan will close the pub in a mark of respect to the ten people who tragically lost their lives on 29 November 2013.
A moment none in the city are ever likely to forget, the devastating incident was caused after a police helicopter crashed into the Stockwell street pub.
A fatal accident enquiry is to be held next year.
Speaking to The Evening Times, Mr Crossan said: “The Clutha belongs to the people of Glasgow, it doesn’t belong to me.
“It is theirs, that accident is a part of them and it ripped a bit of their heart out.”
Mr Crossan is suing Babcock, the company which owns the helicopter operator, for £350,000 in lost earnings while his pub was closed.
A report published in 2015 by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said the pilot, Captain David Traill, did not follow emergency protocol and flew on despite low fuel warnings.
Mr Crossan has said however that his losses are “insignificant” in comparison to those incurred by those who were killed or injured.
The victims included: Gary Arthur, 48; Samuel McGhee, 56; Colin Gibson, 33; Robert Jenkins, 61; John McGarrigle, 57; Mark O’Prey, 44 and Joe Cusker, 59; and the helicopter crew who lost their lives, pilot David Traill, 51 and PCs Kirsty Nelis, 36 and Tony Collins, 43.
But today, a positive legacy is emerging from the tragedy.
The Clutha Trust charity shop opened its doors last month and has received donations from a signed Paul Weller guitar to a ukulele donated by Prince Charles.
All proceeds from the shop go to helping the city’s most disadvantaged get access to the arts and music.
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