Helicopter crash site still unsafe

Rescue authorities searching for victims after a helicopter crashed onto a busy Scottish pub, stated the search is expected to last many days mainly due to the instability of the buildings. Eight bodies have been already recovered from the ruins.

Around 150 patrons were enjoying the tunes of the Esperanza band, which had just taken the stage, at the Clutha Bar when disaster struck.

"A helicopter lost power and fell from the sky, nose over tail," an eyewitness recounted. "I could not see where the helicopter fell, but I was amazed with Glaswegian people running toward the scene, not away from it," the same witness said.

Fortunately the helicopter did not explode. The resulting fireball would have endangered the lives of hundreds of people who at the time were in Glasgow's central shopping district. 

32 patrons were rushed in hospitals, of which 14 suffered serious injuries. Two police officers, the civilian pilot killed and five others lost their lives. Glasgow police are expecting to find more bodies in the building. In a Facebook posting, the band indicated that all its members made it out safe.

However emergency and rescue personnel are carrying safety work to stabilize the building and helicopter to ensure a safe working environment. The recovery operation is expected to span over many days. Scotland Police appealed the public for "any photographs, audio or video footage they have of the incident or surroundings areas."

British Prime Minister David Cameron extended his deepest sympathies to those who lost loved ones, and praised emergency responders and "the bravery of ordinary Glaswegians who rushed to help."