Remembering the Glasgow bin lorry crash victims 10 years on from tragedy

December 22 continues to be a devastatingly sad day for Glasgow[1] as we remember the six people who lost their lives in a tragic bin lorry crash. It was 10 years ago today when a normal busy day in the city centre[2] ahead of Christmas[3] turned into one of Glasgow's darkest days. The events on December 22, 2024, changed Glasgow forever, and left its citizens united in grief.

The day will forever be in the memories of people across the city and, more importantly, those who tragically lost a loved one. Six people lost their lives and 15 others were injured as a bin lorry, driven by Harry Clarke, lost control and crashed into a lane between Queen Street Station[4] and the Millennium Hotel. Families, couples, groups of friends, workers, young and old were out and about, taking in the seasonal atmosphere in Scotland's biggest city.

18-year-old Erin McQuade was killed alongside her grandmother, Lorraine Sweeney18-year-old Erin McQuade was killed alongside her grandmother, Lorraine Sweeney

However, at around 2.30pm that afternoon, everything changed.

The screams of delight from the George Square[5] ice rink and amusements changed to ones of terror. According to witnesses, in the space of just a few seconds the council bin lorry, which had been travelling unnoticed up Queen Street, suddenly mounted a pavement and ploughed into pedestrians. The truck, which had been accelerated to speeds of 25mph, then returned to the road and only stopped when it crashed into a wall.

Jacqueline MortonJacqueline Morton

The city, which minutes before has been buzzing with excitement for the days that lay ahead, was now a scene of carnage.

As well as the six people that were killed and a further 15 were injured, hundreds were left traumatised at what they had seen that day. Three members of the same family from Dumbarton[6] were tragically killed: Jack and Lorraine Sweeney and their 18-year-old granddaughter Erin McQuade. Jacqueline Morton, 51, Stephanie Tait, 29, and Gillian Ewing, 52, also lost their lives.

In the days and months that followed, when the floral tributes wilted and the investigations into what had caused this horror incident began, the city united and began to rebuild itself, in the way that we do. But we will never forget those who were lost that day. Sign up to our daily Glasgow Live newsletter here[7] to receive news and features direct to your inbox

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References

  1. ^ Glasgow (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
  2. ^ city centre (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
  3. ^ Christmas (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
  4. ^ Queen Street Station (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
  5. ^ George Square (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
  6. ^ Dumbarton (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
  7. ^ newsletter here (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
  8. ^ Glasgow Live's WhatsApp community here (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)