Agony continues a year on from Clutha helicopter crash

Still waiting for answers a year after helicopter crash.

Next Saturday sees the first anniversary of the Clutha helicopter tragedy. One year on from the disaster many questions remain unanswered.

What caused the crash? Why was there double engine failure when 76 kg of fuel was on board? And when will final compensation from Bond Air Services be paid?

A year on, it’s still hard to fathom that the accident even happened.

It was simply a Friday night out. For those in the Clutha, a chance to enjoy good company, music and a few drinks.

What happened next became a living nightmare for everyone with a connection to the much-loved Glasgow institution.

Like something from a horror film, a police helicopter suddenly plunged from the sky after the engines “flamed out”, landing on the roof of the packed bar.

Ten people died three on board and seven from the pub.

Few who witnessed the horror unfolding on our TV screens will ever forget the scenes.

It’s impossible to imagine what those who were there or lost loved ones are going through as the anniversary of the tragedy approaches.

Like Nancy Primrose, in the pub that night with her sister Ann Faulds, celebrating Nancy’s recovery from a spinal operation.

She told me: “I’m unable to speak about the Clutha. It would be like reliving the nightmare.”

Or John McGarrigle Jnr, who stood outside the pub for hours as rescuers worked tirelessly. He was convinced dad John had died in the devastation, but couldn’t leave without hearing officially.

“I know my dad’s in there. It came down where he sat,” he told TV crews.

Sadly, his assertion turned out to be right and John Snr, 57, was one of the 10 who lost their lives.

You can only hope the fact the tragedy brought out the best in the people of Glasgow is of some small comfort to those affected.

Think of those surviving pub goers and staff, who pulled together. The firefighters and paramedics who worked tirelessly to make the building safe and rescue those trapped inside.

The locals wanting to help in some small way, who tied packets of biscuits to lamp-posts and left cans of juice for the rescuers. The great and the good paying their respects Billy Connolly saying he was “proud to be a Glaswegian”.

From such tragedy, we saw the best of human nature.

Many questions remain unanswered, though and can only add to the agony.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) probe is still very much ongoing. They were unwilling to give any updates when contacted by The Sunday Post, stating they wouldn’t comment on a live investigation.

Without a ‘black box’ recorder on board, answers are harder to come by, as the AAIB continue their trawl through the wreckage.

One of the biggest mysteries is why no Mayday call was received from the pilot. Knowing why that was the case won’t bring the victims back. But answers might help provide some sort of peace.

“The families need closure,” says Alan Crossan, owner of the Clutha. “It’s one year on and we still don’t have any information about what happened to the helicopter.”

Compensation, too, has still to be finalised although interim payments have been made and a final settlement does appear to be moving in the right direction.

Elaine Russell, of Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, is representing injured victims and the families of those killed in the tragedy.

“Negotiations regarding the cases of our clients are at a very advanced stage and we are hopeful that all will be concluded in the very near future,” she says.

“No amount of compensation will ever make up for the loss or injuries they suffered 12 months ago though. Their legal action is about more than money it is about ensuring that they gain the answers they deserve regarding what they have been through and what is being done to ensure that a tragedy of this nature is never repeated again.”

As survivors and grieving families file into Glasgow Cathedral next Saturday for a memorial service, it’s true that money will doubtless be the last thing on their minds.

It will be a time to come together and remember those who died, the injured and those who were there, still living with the memories of that dreadful night.

And who are left wondering why it happened in the first place.