Glasgow Helicopter Crash

Nine people were killed and another died of his injuries when a police helicopter crashed into the roof of a packed Glasgow pub just after 10.00 pm on the 29th November 2013. Witnesses said the helicopter ‘dropped from the sky like a stone’. Many of the 120 people inside were trapped by heavy falling debris.

First reports reached the Glasgow RRT about 11.00 pm and they were quickly on the scene. After speaking with several police officers, offering to provide refreshments, they were directed to the Sheriff Court on the other side of the river, within the police cordon. At 1.00 am they were told they were ‘good to go’. They promised the welfare officer who spoke to them that they would be set up within the hour. The Salvation Army also moved in to provide support.

Plymouth Brethren - Rapid Relief Team

No shortage of supply

As the team finished setting up at 2.00 am the first officers arrived to enjoy the hot food and drink. It was very cold so after 6.00 am hot bacon rolls were served. 150 emergency workers, including 57 police officers were present per shift. As they went on duty they collected snacks to keep them going and at the end of their shift returned for hot food and drinks. Between times the RRT also served ambulance crews, USAR, a forensic team, fire crew, CID and other professionals. There was a steady flow of around 15 at a time.

Donations were offered and a whip- round organised but the RRT felt they wanted to use their resources to show support for the emergency services’ exceptional efforts. Reports were already come through as to fatalities and severe injuries.

Plymouth Brethren - Glasgow Rapid Relief Team

Fresh Bacon Rolls provided

Another eight volunteers arrived at 10.00 am Saturday morning to relieve the first shift, and a large quantity of food and drink was served throughout the day. The public support was amazing. A local bakery brought cakes and hot pies and others handed in hot Chinese meals, homemade brownies, and bags of shopping. Krispy Kreme doughnuts , brought by an RRT member from Edinburgh were greatly appreciated. Police officers were offering to attend without pay or donate their overtime to victims’ families.

Exceptional gratitude was shown with remarks such as ‘Not many people would give up their Saturday evening to come and do this’ and ‘You’re doing an amazing job, guys’. One member of the fire service reported their shifts had been extended from four to six hours because of the refreshments provided.

Plymouth Brethren - Rapid Relief Team

Donated by local bakery

On Saturday evening Kilmarnock RRT took over, serving a continual flow of workers, and taking food out to those on duty. Some off-duty workers came and sat and talked for a while. This service and support went on until the early hours.

The first shift on Sunday morning was met by a queue of around 40 police officers ready for hot bacon rolls. By midday the crane was in place to lift the helicopter and workers were coming through very subdued as conditions at the scene were obviously pretty horrific. As one said: “It’s silence down there just now.”

Plymouth Brethren - Rapid Relief Team Glasgow

Enjoyng a well earned break

In the afternoon Andy Bates, the Chief Superintendant came to thank the RRT. He said that, as he went round his staff, everyone had mentioned the way they were getting looked after. Another police officer said: “You people have really humbled us today. We get paid for what we are doing but you are all doing it voluntarily. We are really grateful for it. You are true Christians.”

The RRT support continued right through until 2.00 am Monday morning when the Sheriff Court needed to be cleared in view of business on Monday. The RRT were off-site by 3.00 am, having ensured everything was left clean and tidy.

The helicopter was lifted out on Monday 2nd December and by late Tuesday evening the site was practically clear of emergency personnel.

Plymouth Brethren - Rapid Relief Team Glasgow

Ross Arnott – Thank you email 1

Plymouth Brethren - Rapid Relief Team Glasgow

Police Gratitude_001

 

Plymouth Brethren - Rapid Relief Team

Letter from Dr. Shaw_001

Plymouth Brethren Rapid Relief Team

Police Scotand – Chief Constable_001

21 thoughts on “Glasgow Helicopter Crash”

  1. Haggis says:

    A big thank you to all that helped at this tragic incident, special mention to the emergency services who my heart goes out to having lost colleagues and put in long hours in difficult circumstances. Thanks to all the RRT helpers for their time and willingness to serve – it really was a testimony to you all.

  2. kit says:

    keep up the good work!!!! ☺

  3. Bert says:

    Well done Glasgow and surrounding area, our thoughts and prayers are with those that have lost loved ones.
    Those cakes look very tasty………! A big thanks to the very generous baker that donated these…….shows that kind hearts are still out there and it is times like these that brings them close together.

  4. Ro says:

    Is it right that the PBCC also donated to the Philippines appeal?

    1. C says:

      Know of some personal gifts that have been donated, and also our school which raised $800 for Philippines disaster.

    2. undersaid says:

      i’m sure others did as well, but i know at our school we did quite a few fundraising things for the red cross Philippines appeal, i just can’t remember hoe much we raised – must have been about 1000 pounds, could be more i can’t remember.

    3. Granny says:

      Certainly. We joined in that, even though we had already sent a donation to the British red Cross appeal.

    4. Correct says:

      I can confirm that 2 PBCC businesses in our city made donations to the Philippine recover effort, from themselves and their employees, amounting to over $20,000 .

    5. South East RRT Member says:

      yep thats right.

    6. Sochi's coming... GO TEAM USA! says:

      the business I work at did a fundraiser and the company matched what everyone raised…. can’t remember how much it was tho!

  5. Ron says:

    What makes you guys do this sort of thing?

    1. brandon p says:

      The will to help people….

    2. RC says:

      This is just one way we can display the true Christian spirit by helping and ‘supporting communities in times of need’!

    3. South East RRT Member says:

      Ron,

      Acts 20:35″ I have shewed you all things, that thus labouring [we] ought to come in aid of the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

      hope this helps

    4. Ron says:

      Thanks that helps!

    5. H4Z3L. says:

      i’d also say, Ron the great sense of achievement you feel when you know you did something to make someone just that bit happier or just that bit better is worth going out of your way … even if it’s just a smile …. and who can guess how God can work within the hearts of the people the PBCC come into touch with?

    6. MaryJ says:

      Ron, it’s one way we can reflect Christ’s love for mankind and our appreciation of what He has done for us. ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it to one of the least of My brethren, ye have done it to Me.’

  6. 4THELOVEOFSCOTS says:

    GO THE SCOTS! 🙂

  7. Ri says:

    The affected families will need our continued prayers. Speaking from experience, the Christmas time of year will not come round again without the pain.

  8. B says:

    Thanks for the updated story, pictures and attachments.
    With the RRT’s mission ‘Supporting local communities in times and places of need’, this is a clear demonstration of it in Glasgow. Thanks to all those involved including our excellent emergency services.

  9. JL says:

    Very well done Scotland RRT’s
    What an outstanding display of teamwork and care!
    We are thinking of those affected over the Christmas period.

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