Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

'My father died in Glasgow helicopter crash': John McGarrigle says eyewitness told him that his father was sitting 'right in the spot' where aircraft came down

 

Lynsey Bews
Saturday 30 November 2013 14:21 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A man has said his father was killed in The Clutha Bar helicopter crash.

John McGarrigle, 38, said an eyewitness told him that his father, also John McGarrigle, 59, was sitting "right in the spot" where the helicopter came down on the building in Glasgow city centre last night.

Speaking to BBC News from the scene, Mr McGarrigle said his father is "probably lying underneath that helicopter".

He said: "The realisation, and just a deep instinct ... kicked in right away as soon as I heard there was an accident at Clutha. I just knew something bad had happened to him.

"When I came round and seen where the position of the helicopter (was) that was when I knew, because he sat in that spot all the time, where the 'copter hit.

"I am still shaking."

An eyewitness named Fiona told him what happened inside the pub, Mr McGarrigle said.

"An eyewitness account said my dad was sitting right in the spot where the 'copter hit," he said.

"Fiona walked into the toilet ... as she walked into the toilet, bang, the 'copter came in.

"When she came running out the door, my dad and Sammy were gone."

Mr McGarrigle said he unsuccessfully tried to get information from the accident helpline set up for those affected.

"I said my dad is dead, probably lying underneath that helicopter," he said.

"I could walk in there and pinpoint him myself in the rubble."

Police say at least one person has died in the accident but they have yet to be named.

A total of 32 people have been taken to hospital.

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in