The number of victims of the Glasgow Clutha bar helicopter crash rose to 10 yesterday.
The news came on the day Bond Air Services temporarily grounded its fleet of EC135s – the model in the accident.
The death toll when a police helicopter hit the roof of the pub nearly two weeks ago rose when Joe Cusker, 59, of Cambuslang, died yesterday at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, where he had been receiving treatment.
Five casualties remain in hospital. A health board spokeswoman said: “Two patients are receiving treatment at Glasgow Royal Infirmary whilst a further three patients remain at the Queen Elizabeth Spinal Injuries Unit at the Southern General Hospital.”
The decision by Bond to ground its 22 EC135 helicopters in the UK – including Scotland’s two air ambulances and the sole pol-ice air support unit – was made after a problem was discovered with an aircraft in the north-west of England on Wednesday night.
However, air ambulances were returning to service late yesterday afternoon.
A statement issued by Bond said: “Following an issue with the fuel indication system on one of our aircraft, we temporarily suspended service operations whilst we undertook further technical investigations of our fleet of EC135s.
“We will continue to work with manufacturer Eurocopter on any aircraft which are found with this fault, with the aim of resuming normal service as soon as it is safe to do so.”
A spokesman for the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) said contingency plans were immediately put in place when flights were suspended.
He later added: “The EC135 air ambulance helicopter based in Inverness has been cleared by Bond to resume flying operations and is now operational.
“The air ambulance based in Glasgow has not yet been cleared to fly.
“In addition to the Inverness-based air ambulance, coastguard and military helicopters, Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance helicopter or SAS fixed wing aircraft will be available to transfer any patients who require air transport.”
Police Scotland said the force’s air support unit was cleared to fly at about 3.30pm.
But last night, the British Airline Pilots’ Association (Balpa) said the decision by Bond confirmed its belief that a “fundamental review” of the regulation of helicopter operations was needed.
A spokesman added: “Flight safety is best served when there is transparency and openness and these developments leave everyone asking – why?”