Clutha bar reopens with tribute to helicopter crash victims

People in the Clutha Bar, Glasgow, as it reopens after a police helicopter crash in 2013. Credit: Press Association

The 10 victims of the Clutha helicopter tragedy were remembered tonight as the Glasgow bar reopened 20 months on after a police helicopter crashed through its roof.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joined relatives of the dead, survivors and members of the emergency services at the venue.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon dances in the Clutha Bar, Glasgow. Credit: Press Association

More than 100 people were in the bar on the night of Friday, November 29 2013, when the accident took place.

All three people who were in the helicopter, pilot David Traill, who was attached to Police Scotland's air support unit, and police constables Tony Collins and Kirsty Nellis were killed when the Eurocopter EC 135 crashed into the building.

Those killed in the pub were John McGarrigle, Mark O'Prey, Gary Arthur, Colin Gibson, Robert Jenkins and Samuel McGhee. Joe Cusker was pulled from the wreckage alive but later died in hospital.

Members of the emergency services working on the roof of the Clutha Bar in Glasgow in 2013. Credit: Press Association
The Clutha Bar today which has been redesigned with a mural featuring artists and notables who drank in the pub. Credit: Press Association.