Minute's Silence Held At Bin Lorry Crash Inquiry

A minute's silence has been held at the opening of an inquiry into a bin lorry crash that killed six people in Glasgow.

Sheriff John Beckett offered his condolences to family members of those who died in the accident seven months ago before asking everyone in court to stand and remember the victims.

Glasgow city centre was packed with shoppers three days before Christmas last year when the refuse lorry lost control and mounted the pavement.

A fatal accident inquiry is under way at Glasgow Sheriff Court after prosecutors said there was no evidence to warrant criminal proceedings.

The inquiry is being led by senior law officer Solicitor General Lesley Thomson and is expected to last about six weeks.

Sheriff Beckett told family members in court: I can only imagine the shock, pain and anguish which you have suffered following your sudden and terrible loss.''

The inquiry will focus on driver Harry Clarke's medical background, his fitness to hold a licence and his employment record and training.

It will also examine whether anything could have been done to halt the lorry and explore the route it took on the afternoon of December 22.

Erin McQuade, 18, her grandparents Jack Sweeney, 68, and his 69-year-old wife Lorraine, all from Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire, died when the vehicle lost control in Queen Street.

Stephenie Tait, 29, and Jacqueline Morton, 51, both from Glasgow, and Gillian Ewing, 52, from Edinburgh, were also killed when the vehicle mounted the pavement before crashing into the side of the Millennium Hotel in George Square.

Ten people were also injured in the crash.