Several people have been killed and many more left injured after a bin lorry crashed in central Glasgow.
Witnesses report seeing a bin lorry travelling at high speed before hearing a loud bang at around 14:30 at George Square, which was packed with Christmas shoppers.
The lorry crashed into the side of the Millennium hotel, which is next to Glasgow Queen Street station.
Emergency services are at the scene, and George Square has been closed.
The Scottish Ambulance Service have set up an emergency tent in the square to treat victims of the crash.
A Police Scotland spokesman said:
“About 2.30pm today, Monday 22 December 2014, a Glasgow City Council bin lorry was travelling north on Queen Street when it appeared to strike pedestrians outside the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) before continuing to travel towards George Square, when it crashed at the Millenium Hotel on Queen Street at George Square.
“There have been a number of fatalities and people injured.
“Emergency services are currently at the scene.
“Police have declared the scene a major incident.
“All roads in the surrounding area are closed and people are advised to stay away from George Square and make alternative travel arrangements.”
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said:
“Firefighters are in attendance at a serious incident in Queen Street, Glasgow. Our crews are working alongside other emergency responders.”
Prime Minister David Cameron said:
“My thoughts are with the families of those involved & the emergency services.”
Bin lorry "crashes into pedestrians" in Glasgow. Emergency services say “serious incident” … http://t.co/cENZEl03ji pic.twitter.com/WIXQ8XMJAL
— Jonathan Haynes (@JonathanHaynes) December 22, 2014
Serious accident involving a bin lorry at george squ.At least 5 cars damaged, ambulance taken patients to hospital. pic.twitter.com/rXX13yqOPk
— Hannah Rodger (@hannahwrites01) December 22, 2014
.@policescotland say "very serious" incident in Glasgow involving crashed bin lorry http://t.co/pyjxw5zxaC pic.twitter.com/mTCHll9b1v
— BBC Scotland News (@BBCScotlandNews) December 22, 2014
Update: Massive emergency response to George Square bin lorry crash. Several casualties http://t.co/MuOO592eul pic.twitter.com/LZnowfn4lO
— STV News (@STVNews) December 22, 2014
Major incident here in Glasgow's George Square: pic.twitter.com/E1xZ0Qz3ji
— James Cook (@BBCJamesCook) December 22, 2014
The scene outside Queen St station just now pic.twitter.com/1vv26qQK6Y
— Alan Jenkins (@ajjenkins) December 22, 2014
Witnesses describe 'horrific scenes' after bin lorry collides with shoppers in Glasgow http://t.co/b3YzUx6QOw pic.twitter.com/IxLrOPQwgQ
— ITV News (@itvnews) December 22, 2014
A witness of the #GeorgeSquare crash says truck was 'knocking everyone like pinballs' http://t.co/GDH9wpYB6A pic.twitter.com/8D3I5AHAe3
— Daily Mirror (@DailyMirror) December 22, 2014
Scottish Ambulance Service set up an emergency tent at scene of fatal lorry crash in #Glasgow #georgesquare pic.twitter.com/yZPRPliD7d
— Radio Clyde News (@RadioClydeNews) December 22, 2014
If you have any concerns relating to the #GeorgeSquare incident please dial Police Scotland’s major incident hotline on 01786 289 070.
