Small Fire at The Clutha Under Control

Published 16th Aug 2015

Firefighters have tackled a small blaze at the Glasgow pub at the centre of a police helicopter crash which killed 10 people.

The Clutha bar reopened in July, almost 20 months after the disaster in November 2013.

Three fire engines went to the pub when the alarm was raised at around 1.40am on Sunday.

They were at the scene until 2.23am dealing with a small fire in a bin room.

The pub's Facebook page said the damage was minor and it is open as usual today.

It said: "Wee Fire at the Clutha - Nothing to worry about! A small fire broke out in one of the bins and caused a bit of smoke around the place. The Fire Service reacted very quickly and it was quickly under control.

"Wee bit of damage to a couple of doors but nothing more. They reckon it was caused by a fag end.''

The message went on: "Thanks to everyone for their concerns and thanks again to the Fire Service and please anyone who does smoke can you make sure your fag is extinguished before throwing away.''

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joined relatives of the dead, survivors and members of the emergency services at the venue when it reopened on July 24.

More than 100 people were in the bar on the night of November 29 2013 when the tragedy took place.

All three people who were in the helicopter - pilot David Traill, who was attached to Police Scotland's air support unit, and police constables Tony Collins and Kirsty Nellis - were killed when the Eurocopter EC 135 crashed into the building.

Those killed in the pub were John McGarrigle, Mark O'Prey, Gary Arthur, Colin Gibson, Robert Jenkins and Samuel McGhee. Joe Cusker was pulled from the wreckage alive but died in hospital.

The interior of the old bar where the helicopter crashed remains sealed off, but a new bar has been erected in a former smoking area. Outside the pub, a mural depicts famous customers and those with links to the area.

An initial report said the aircraft suffered engine failure. The final conclusions of the Air Accidents Investigation Branch are expected to be released soon.