THE operator of a police helicopter that crashed into a Glasgow pub killing 10 people has pledged to settle claims for losses suffered by the victims of the disaster.
Bond Air Services has confirmed most claims made by the 50 victims of the accident, in which the Eurocopter EC 135 crashed through the roof of the Clutha bar in November last year, "should be capable of being settled without delay".
Some relatives of those who lost their lives responded to the news with little emotion, saying they were more interested in obtaining answers about how their loved ones died.
Legal experts say the move would not preclude Bond from taking action against Eurocopter, the France-based manufacturer of the helicopter, to recover claims it have had to settle if it was found there were mechanical reasons for the crash.
Victims launched a legal action against the operator two weeks ago.
Pilot David Traill, 51, and police officers Tony Collins, 43, and Kirsty Nelis, 36, died along with seven people in the bar.
Thompsons Solicitors, which is representing 50 victims, said the helicopter operator had agreed it was liable for losses suffered by those killed or injured in the Glasgow pub.
Bond agreed to make interim payments to the victims that could amount to tens of thousands of pounds each.
It is expected there will be several interim payments made to some and that a final settlement may be in place by the end of this year.
Thompsons has welcomed the move on behalf of Bond, which will help its clients cover loss of salary while full compensation is agreed.
Ian O'Prey, father of 44-year-old victim Mark O'Prey, of East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, said: "The money won't bring my son back. It is irrelevant. They can stick it."
The family had an agonising three-day wait before Mr O'Prey could be formally identified. The bodies of all nine victims were then released to their families to plan their funerals.
"The first we knew that there was any money was when we were told by the media," said Mr O'Prey.
"There are tons of questions we want answered. It seems they are more concerned about the helicopter than what happened inside the pub. Health and safety plays a major part in this."
Bond said: "While the causes of the tragedy remain unknown, we confirmed from the outset that we were committed to ensuring proper compensation was paid to all of those who have suffered loss as a result of the accident.
"We will continue to ensure that issues raised by anyone who calls the helpline are dealt with as soon as practicably possible.
"Most claims should be capable of being settled without delay. However, for complex claims which may take longer to resolve, and where appropriate, we will make interim payments without the need for each party to apply to the court."
Hannah Bennett, a lawyer with Thompson's Clutha legal team, said: "The commencement of interim payments from Bond ... to Clutha victims is a very significant milestone and is welcomed.
"Many of our clients are suffering from ongoing physical and psychological symptoms as a result of their involvement in this tragic and life-changing event."
"The last thing our clients need right now is concern over financial issues. Securing the payment of interim compensation from Bond will help address these financial concerns."
Law firm Irwin Mitchell, which is representing other victims and their families, said they would be able to access specialist counselling and rehabilitation support. Bond said that since the crash it had been working with Glasgow City Council and other parties to see how bereaved families and the local community could best be supported.
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