Six people have died after an out-of-control bin lorry crashed in the heart of Glasgow today.
Witnesses described bodies lying in the road after the accident which happened as the city centre was crowded with Christmas shoppers.
Police Scotland declared a major incident and confirmed there were a “number of fatalities”.
Eight people – including the lorry driver – have also been taken to hospital.
It is thought the driver may have taken ill at the wheel.
More pictures from the scene of the incident here
George Square has been completely closed down to all traffic with major congestion throughout the city centre.
Emergency services are still at the scene, working to piece together what happened in the moments leading up to the crash at 2.30pm.
Floral tributes are now also being laid at the scene by shocked residents of Glasgow.
Superintendent Stewart Carle said the lorry hit several pedestrians as it careered along the road.
He said: “It’s difficult for all the emergency services but particularly for those people who have been in Glasgow today shopping and getting ready for Christmas.
“There will be a lot of distressed people and certainly the city will need to come round those people that have been traumatised by the incident.”
Mr Carle stressed: “For now it does not look to be a criminal or deliberate act that has taken place here this afternoon, but we need to have time to investigate it.”
Thousands have taken to social media to post pictures of the incident and tell of sadness at this happening just before Christmas.
The bin lorry can be seen having smashed into the side of the Millennium Hotel.
Witness Melanie Greg said the lorry travelled 150 yards along the pavement before crashing in George Square.
She told Sky News: “The bin lorry just lost control. It went along the pavement, knocking everyone like pinballs.
“There was a baby in a buggy, and it just continued knocking people down until it ended up in the building. Quite horrific, very scary.
“The only way it stopped was hitting the building.
“People were trying to run out of the way. But when something was coming out behind them like that, how can they run out of the way?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eILZGeTZW_E
Comedian Janey Godley tweeted: “Utter horrific carnage, people on ground getting triage.”
John Maclennan said: “Seeing injuries in Royal Exchange Square, bin lorry ran all the way up Queen Street into #georgesquare, awful.”
Jordan Barnes tweeted: “Waiting for a bus and this happens, horrible to see, shame.”
Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy tweeted: “There is a major incident in Glasgow’s George Square. Multiple emergency services on the scene. Thoughts & prayers with everyone injured.”
More pictures from the scene of the incident here.
A police spokesperson said: “At about 2.20pm a Glasgow City Council refuse bin lorry was travelling north on Queen Street when it appeared to strike pedestrians outside the Gallery of Modern Art before continuing to travel towards George Square, when it crashed at the Millenium Hotel on Queen Street at George Square.
“There have been a number of fatalities and people injured.
“All roads in the surrounding area are closed and people are advised to stay away from George Square and make alternative travel arrangements.”
