Bin Lorry Crash Driver To Continue Giving Evidence At Inquiry
The driver of the bin lorry that crashed in Glasgow killing six people will continue giving evidence at an inquiry into the tragedy.
The driver of the bin lorry that crashed in Glasgow killing six people will continue giving evidence at an inquiry into the tragedy.
Harry Clarke, 58, is the last remaining witness to be called before the fatal accident inquiry (FAI) which is now in its fifth week.
He was behind the wheel of the truck when it veered out of control in the city centre three days before Christmas.
Mr Clarke began his first day in the witness box at the FAI at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Thursday by declining to answer a number of questions put to him, responding by saying ''I don't want to answer that'' or ''no comment''.
He had earlier been told he did not have to answer any questions which might incriminate him.
Sheriff John Beckett QC issued the warning to the driver because he could still face a private prosecution brought by the family of one of the victims.
However, Mr Clarke went on to give an account of the day of the accident describing the moment he blacked out.
He said: ''Everything was okay, I saw the Christmas lights in the distance, and the next minute ... it was like a light switch.''
The driver said the next thing he remembered was ''being attached to the hotel'' - the Millennium Hotel in George Square where the truck came to a rest.
The inquiry has heard evidence that Mr Clarke has a history of dizzy spells and fainting which he failed to disclose to the DVLA and on job application forms.
Mr Clarke appeared before the inquiry after a motion from his lawyer to have the hearing halted was rejected.
The sheriff said it was in the public interest that the inquiry should proceed.
Erin McQuade, 18, and her grandparents Jack Sweeney, 68, and Lorraine Sweeney, 69, from Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire, Stephenie Tait, 29, and Jacqueline Morton, 51, both from Glasgow, and Gillian Ewing, 52, from Edinburgh, were killed as the lorry travelled out of control towards George Square before crashing in to the side of the Millennium Hotel.
The Crown Office has already decided that Mr Clarke should not be prosecuted over the fatal crash but relatives of Ms Morton have indicated they would seek to bring charges against Mr Clarke.
The inquiry was adjourned until today when Mr Clarke will continue giving evidence at 9.30am.