THE names of the driver and passengers of the bin lorry which crashed killing six pedestrians are being kept from the public in part for their own protection, it has been claimed.

 

Amid concerns for the welfare of the three, Glasgow City Council has refused to reveal any of their personal details.

Over a week on from the crash in the city's Queen Street and George Square, the authority has also said it cannot provide any details on the incident until Police Scotland has concluded its ongoing investigation.

But following claims it would "never name" the driver and his two colleagues, sources within the authority said it had a "duty of care" to protect the men.

One MSP affiliated with the GMB union also backed efforts to keep their identity under wraps, warning of a potential backlash against the trio.

One source said: "Like any employer we have a duty of care here. Yes, that is partly driven by concerns over the welfare of the men.

"But they could also be potential witnesses so it would be inappropriate to name them. I'm not sure any other employer would."

Labour MSP Michael McMahon said: "My understanding is that a lot of things need to be taken into consideration, not least the safety of the people who were in the vehicle.

"The local authority as the employer and the trade union have to protect these guys' well being. People need to appreciate and understand these guys are affected.

"Even if there is no criminal investigation there may well be a Fatal Accident Inquiry when these guys will have to come out into the public."

The lorry driver and two females remain in hospital a week after the tragedy.

The females, a 14-year old girl, and a woman aged 64, are all being cared for at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

Both are now said to be in a stable condition. The 57-year-old male driver also remains in hospital in a stable condition. 

An 18-year-old woman was released from the Royal Infirmary on Tuesday.

The first of the funerals has also been announced, with a mass for three relatives killed in the crash to be held this Saturday.

Erin McQuade, 18 and Jack, 68, and Lorraine Sweeney, 69, will be buried from St Patrick's RC Church in Dumbarton.

Gillian Ewing, 52, Stephenie Tait, 29, and 51-year-old Jacqueline Morton also died. A further ten people were taken to hospital after the crash.

As of last night no report had been sent by Police Scotland to the procurator fiscal. The fiscal will then decide if and what further information it requires before deciding if any criminal charges will be brought against anyone.

It will also decide further down the line if it is in the public interest to hold a Fatal Accident Inquiry, as well as the history of the driver from health and driving concerns to the condition of the vehicle.

The two crew members will also be interviewed as part of any process.