Glasgow unites in grief

There has also been an outpouring of grief from residents throughout the city and the rest of the world, with hundreds paying their respects by laying flowers in Royal Exchange Square and signing a book of condolence.

Jack Sweeney, 68, his wife Lorraine, 69, and their 18-year-old granddaughter Erin McQuade, all from Dumbarton, Stephenie Tait, 29, and Jacqueline Morton, 51, both of Glasgow, and Gillian Ewing, 52, from Edinburgh, died in the accident.

A relative of the Sweeneys yesterday told of his heartache at losing three family members in such tragic circumstances, saying: "No words can describe the pain."

John Sweeney, who is based in Canada, also offered his condolences to the other families involved.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Glasgow City Council leader Gordon Matheson and Lord Provost Sadie Docherty all visited the crash scene yesterday morning and Ms Sturgeon paid tribute to the "incredible spirit" of the people of Glasgow.

She said: "Glasgow this morning is a broken-hearted city. 2014 has been such an incredible year for this wonderful city, the Commonwealth Games were such an outstanding success, but it is a year that has been bookended by two unimaginable tragedies, the Clutha at the end of last year and now this awful tragedy that unfolded here yesterday.

"But Glasgow is a resilient city, we saw last year and we have seen again in the last 24 hours the incredible spirit of the people of Glasgow and this city will pull together to support those who have been affected, not just in the days ahead but in the weeks and months to come."

The Glasgow Southside MSP again offered her condolences to the bereaved families and said her thoughts were also with those who were injured and the public who witnessed the horrific scenes when the area was packed with afternoon shoppers.

She added: "This is a city I am so deeply proud to call my home and I know I will be one of many whose thoughts and prayers, particularly over the Christmas period, are with all those who have been so tragically affected by what happened yesterday."

As details of those involved in the crash emerged, the Queen also offered her sympathies, saying: "Prince Philip and I were saddened by the news of the tragic accident in Glasgow yesterday.

"Our thoughts and prayers go to the families of those who have lost loved ones and to those who have been injured.

"This sad event is made even more difficult as it comes at Christmas time. I send my condolences to all the people of Glasgow."

As well as the six deceased, ten other people were hit by the truck, with six, including the driver, still receiving treatment in hospital yesterday. One patient was said to be in a critical condition.

Police investigating the incident worked at the scene through the night on Monday, while the bodies of the deceased were removed by a fleet of private ambulances in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Following her visit to the square, the First Minister also attended a service of remembrance for the victims, which was held yesterday morning at St George's Tron Church, located yards from the crash scene.

The sombre occasion opened with the Christmas carol In the Bleak Mid Winter, which saw several members of the emergency services in attendance moved to tears.

Presbytery Clerk and former Moderator Very Rev Bill Hewitt told the service: "We feel for the pain of others in this city."

He added: "We understand something of the burden carried in the hearts of those who have lost loved ones, who are concerned for those in hospital, for emergency workers who have been on the frontline in meeting human need and offering themselves."

A further mass for the victims will also be held at the city's St Andrew's Cathedral at 1pm today, led by Archbishop Philip Tartaglia.

Tens of thousands throughout the country are also expected to turn off their Christmas lights at 9pm this evening as a mark of respect for those involved in the tragedy.

A Facebook event page entitled "Switch off your Christmas tree lights", which also encourages people to hold a two-minute silence, had attracted more than 50,000 sign ups last night.

Glasgow City Council has also announced it is opening an appeal fund for those who were affected by the crash.

The council is donating £20,000 with the Lord Provost's Goodwill Fund and the Scottish government each donating a further £20,000.

The Lord Provost's Queen Street fund will begin taking public donations from today.

Lord Provost Sadie Docherty said: "We have had tremendous offers of support already. Glaswegians started calling us to offer donations almost as soon as this tragic incident happened.

"That's heart-warming but not surprising in a city which responds so well to tragedy."

Debit and credit card donations can be made by calling 0141 287 7878. Lines will be open Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 20:00 except on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and 1 and 2 January.

Donations can also be made at any bank using Sort Code 834400 and Account Number 10809775.

The city is now trying to return to normal and roads around the square opened up again yesterday, while the Christmas lights, which have been switched off as a mark of respect, will be turned on again today.

The Glasgow Loves Christmas attractions, including an ice rink and big wheel, will remain closed until noon on Boxing Day.

Meanwhile, a teenager has been arrested after allegedly posting an offensive message on Twitter regarding the fatal crash.

The 19-year-old, believed to be Ross Loraine, from Sunderland, handed himself in to police on Monday evening after a number of complaints were made about the tweet.

Northumbria Police said he was arrested on suspicion of making a malicious communication and had been bailed while they made further inquiries into the incident.