Three Lorry Victims From One Family

Three of the six victims killed when a bin lorry careered out of control through a city centre were an elderly couple and their granddaughter.

Jack Sweeney, his wife Lorraine, and granddaughter Erin McQuade, understood to be in her teens, died yesterday after the council vehicle drove through a street full of shoppers in Glasgow.

Mr Sweeney, from Dumbarton, was a former president of Bramalea Celtic supporters club in Canada.

A statement posted on the Bramalea CeItic supporters club Facebook page said: It is with great shock and sadness we share with you our friend and past president Jack Sweeney, his wife Lorraine and granddaughter Erin were victims of today's tragedy in Glasgow.

Our thoughts and prayers go to the family and friends of the Sweeney family.''

Three other females were also killed and 10 people were injured, six of whom remain in hospitals around the city.

A special prayer service has been held for the victims at the nearby St George's Tron Parish Church.

The Rev Stuart Smith, moderator of Glasgow Presbytery of the Church of Scotland, said the circumstances of the crash were more sudden and shocking than we could have imagined possible if it wasn't for the evidence right here in front of us''.

The service was attended by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Glasgow City Council leader Gordon Matheson.

Ahead of the service Ms Sturgeon said that Glasgow was waking with a broken heart'' but praised the city's resilience, adding: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.''

It is thought the driver might have fallen ill at the wheel as he travelled up Queen Street and his vehicle struck a pedestrian outside the Gallery of Modern Art.

The truck continued, hitting several other people and coming to a halt only when it crashed into the side of Millennium Hotel in George Square.

A Glasgow City Council spokeswoman said there were two other crew members on the lorry at the time of the crash, but the condition of the two men was not known.

A large cordon remains in place at the square and hundreds of floral tributes have been placed at the scene.

A fleet of private ambulances carrying the dead left the area earlier this morning

The Christmas lights have been switched off in George Square and flags on public buildings in the city are flying at half-mast.

Police have not yet formally named any of the victims.

Speaking at the scene, Mr Matheson said: This is another terribly sad, heartbreaking day during what should be a joyful festive season.''

He said everything possible is being done to offer support and care to those who have been most affected''.

Mr Matheson said: The people of Glasgow will respond in the way that we always do - we respond to those in need with compassion and generosity, and that will continue.

It is people who make Glasgow - the people of Glasgow's hearts are broken today.

On behalf all Glaswegians, I would like to relay my deepest condolences to all of the families who have lost a loved one in this horrific accident.''

Relative John Sweeney described himself as feeling heartbroken'' on Facebook.

He wrote: No words can describe the pain. R.I.P. Jack, Lorraine and Erin.

Thoughts and prayers go out to the other families that lost loved ones as well.''