Glasgow garbage bin lorry crashes into pedestrians, six killed; terrorism ruled out

Glasgow: Christmas shopping turned into a tragic experience for some at Glasgow's George Square as a garbage bin lorry careened out of control and rammed into pedestrians, killing six and injuring eight others critically, Scotland police said.

The police ruled out any possibility of the incident being related to terrorism and called it a fatal road crash that killed six. Eight others are aid to be critically injured and are being treated at three hospitals across Glasgow.

"It is a road traffic collision with multiple fatalities...we don't believe there is anything sinister about it,” said Supt Stewart Carle of Police Scotland.

According to police statement, the incident happened at 14:30 local time on Monday when a Glasgow City Council bin lorry was travelling north on Queen Street when it rammed into a pedestrian outside Modern Art Gallery. It continued to speed of out-of-control towards George Square and struck more pedestrians before crashing into the Millennium Hotel on Queen Street.

Emergency services rushed to the spot and people were seen giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to the injured lying on the street.

Sadly, six people have died as a result of the #GeorgeSquare major road incident. A further update will be issued in due course. — Police Scotland (@policescotland) December 22, 2014

Eight people receiving treatment for their injuries across three Glasgow city hospitals. We will update further when we can. #georgesquare — Police Scotland (@policescotland) December 22, 2014

According to a Telegraph report that cited eyewitnesses' account, the lorry rammed into people, tossing them into air “like pinballs”. Some bystanders also suggested that the driver of the lorry was apparently having a fit or heart attack.

Another eyewitness told the BBC that the driver was seen 'slumped over the wheel' while the truck kept colliding into Christmas shoppers at Glasgow's city centre which is a favourite hub for Christmas shopping.

The police said they have started an investigation into the incident and have urged people to contact them if they have any photographs, videos or any type of mobile footage of the incident.

"We are carrying out a thorough investigation so the families and public know what happened," said Chief Inspector Mark Sutherland.

People were advised to stay away from George Square and make alternative travel arrangements.

The Scotland police have also issued a hotline number - 01786 289070 - for anyone who has concerns about relatives or friends who may have been at the site of accident.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon paid condolences to the victims and urged others to inform their relatives of their well-being.

My thoughts with everyone involved in dreadful #GeorgeSquare incident. If you are in city centre, please let your relatives know you are ok. — Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) December 22, 2014

Regretting the event, PM David Cameron also said that he was being “kept fully briefed on the major incident in Glasgow”

I'm being kept fully briefed on the major incident in Glasgow. My thoughts are with the families of those involved & the emergency services. — David Cameron (@David_Cameron) December 22, 2014