Fatal accident inquiry into George Square crash set to continue
THE fatal accident inquiry into the bin lorry crash that killed in Glasgow in 2014 is set to continue after a bid for an adjournment was dropped.
The suspension of the inquiry was sought by families of two of the crash victims, in order to allow them to pursue a private prosecution against bin lorry driver Harry Clarke.
The inquiry will now go ahead, with the families still intending to seek prosecution after its conclusion. Clarke has been told he does not need to provide any evidence to the inquiry that may incriminate him.
The inquiry had previously heard that Clarke had a history of dizzy spells and blackouts in previous jobs, and that he had not disclosed this history when applying to the DVLA for a license to drive the bin lorry.
The Crown Office declared in February 2015 that the crash was a “tragic accident” and that it would not pursue prosecution against Clarke.
The legal official in charge of the investigation, solicitor general Lesley Thomson, has said that Clarke is unlikely to provide much more information than his name to the inquiry when he gives evidence due to the possibility of a future prosecution by victim’s families.
The crash occurred on 22 December 2014 in Glasgow’s George Square, when a bin lorry careered out of control and mounted the pavement before coming to a stop at Queen Street station. The fatal accident inquiry began on 22 July 2015 at Glasgow Sheriff Court.
The six killed in the incident were Erin Mcquade, 18, Jack Sweeny, 68, Lorraine Sweeny, 69, Stephenie Tate, 29, Jacqulien Morton, 51, and Gillian Ewing 52.
Picture courtesy of Paul Robertson