- .Jack and Lorraine Sweeney and granddaughter Erin McQuade killed
- .Gillian Ewing, Stephenie Tait and Jacqueline Morton also died
- .First Minister calls tragedy 'another sad day for Glasgow and Scotland'
- .Council vehicle crashed in city centre square yesterday lunchtime
- .The area, close to busy Christmas market, was packed with shoppers
- .Witness said: 'It went straight into them and scattered them like skittles'
- .Ten others were injured, six of whom are still in hospital, police say
- .It is believed two of the drivers co-workers were in the cab at the time
- .Officers have not confirmed reports driver suffered heart attack or seizure
- .Queen sends 'condolences, thoughts and prayers' to people of Glasgow
Photos have emerged of the victims of yesterday's Glasgow truck crash as devastated family and friends paid tribute to those killed.
Pensioners Jack and Lorraine Sweeney and their teenager granddaughter Erin McQuade died after a bin lorry veered out of control and ploughed into a pavement packed with Christmas shoppers, killing six.
They were mourned by relatives today as police continued their investigation into what caused the accident yesterday lunchtime.
Relatives of the Sweeneys and Miss McQuade, who are from Dumbarton, north west of Glasgow, told of their loss on Facebook last night after being told about the crash.
John Sweeney 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 — feeling heartbroken.'
Three other victims have been named as Gillian Ewing, 52, from Edinburgh, and Stephenie Tait, 29, and Jacqueline Morton, 51, both from Glasgow.
Family and friends of Erin McQuade paid tribute to the teenager today after she was named as one of six victims of yesterday's lorry crash in central Glasgow
Lorraine Sweeney and her granddaughter Erin McQuade are thought to have been shopping at the time
Jack Sweeney was killed alongside his wife Lorraine and granddaughter Erin McQuade in the crash yesterday
Erin's manager at the hotel where she worked said the 18-year-old (left, with friend) was one of the companies' 'brightest and most dedicated' members of staff
Bosses at Cameron House Hotel in Loch Lomond, where Miss McQuade worked, paid tribute to 'one of our brightest members of staff'.
Manager Allan Reich said: 'Cameron House Hotel and Resort are saddened to hear we have lost one of our brightest and dedicated members of housekeeping staff, Erin McQuade.
'We want to offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family of Erin and to all those who have been affected by the tragic events at George Square yesterday.'
The Bramalea Celtic Club in Canada, where Mr Sweeney used to be president, also posted: '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.'
Celtic Football Club also praised Mr Sweeney as someone with 'a strong connection to Celtic', who 'gave so much to the club'.
A fourth victim was named as primary school teacher Stephenie Tait, 29. She is believed to teach at St Philomena's Primary in Provanmill, eastern Glasgow.
Headteacher Catherine Gallagher said: 'The entire school community is deeply saddened by this tragic news.'
Friends and relatives paid tribute to Mr and Mrs Sweeney and their granddaughter on Facebook today
Six people died and 10 were injured after a bin lorry crashed onto a crowded pavement near a busy square and station in Glasgow city centre. The lorry (pictured yesterday) has now been removed
Flowers have been placed at the scene today. The cause of the crash is not immediately clear, but police have said it was not a terrorism-related incident, and 'nothing more sinister' than a fatal traffic accident
Residents of the city struggled to hold back the tears as they lay floral tributes at the site this afternoon
Emergency workers with flowers near the scene of the accident which killed six and left six badly injured
SMALL MAN WITH A BIG HEART: JACK SWEENEY AND HIS FAMILY MOVED BACK TO SCOTLAND BECAUSE THEY MISSED IT SO MUCH
Crash victims Jack and Lorraine Sweeney, who previously emigrated to Canada, moved back to Scotland because they missed it so much, it emerged today.
The couple flew out to North America with their family and settled in the city of Brampton, not far from Toronto, where Erin was born.
Granddaughter: Erin was born during the family's time living near Toronto in Canada
However, 15 years ago, the family upped and returned to Dumbarton, where they were closer to Mr Sweeney's beloved Celtic Football Club.
While living in Canada, Mr Sweeney used to be chairman of the Bramalea Celtic Supporters Club, where current chairman Peter Milligan said that he will be remembered fondly.
Mr Milligan said: ‘He was a great guy. He was missed when he went back to Scotland. Erin was born here in Canada at the time.
‘She was two or three when they moved back with the whole family in the mid 90s. There are still relatives here and they are absolutely devastated. They are too upset to talk.
‘We are a tight community and we are all so upset by what’s happened.’
Mr Milligan said that Mr Sweeney was working for insurers London Life during his time in Canada and he lived there for a number of years.
He said: ‘He was a small man but he had a big heart. He always had a smile and never had a bad word to say about anyone.
‘He was a sociable kind of guy, he liked a drink and he loved Celtic. We show the games at the club live, especially Celtic and Rangers, and he was always here to see them.
‘I think he went home because he just missed Scotland so much. Jack’s sister-in-law and her son are visiting family in Canada at the moment and they are just devastated, especially as Erin was so young.’
Ms Gallagher added: 'Stephenie was an excellent young teacher, dedicated to the children. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this time.
'We will be supporting colleagues in every way possible. Stephenie made a wonderful contribution to the life of St Philomena's. She will be sadly missed by both pupils and staff.'
One of her former pupils added, on Facebook: 'Can't believe your gone Rip Miss Tait you were such an amazing teacher shine bright.'
Four people remain in hospital. A police spokesman said: 'One patient is expected to be discharged later today, one patient is in a critical condition, one patient is serious but stable and one patient is stable.'
The Queen today sent a message of condolence to the Lord Provost of Glasgow in which she said her 'thoughts and prayers' and those of the Duke of Edinburgh are with those who lost loved ones and those injured in the bin lorry disaster.
Touching messages were left at the scene by residents of the city, which saw 10 people die almost exactly a year ago when a helicopter crashed in to a Clutha bar
A young boy and his mother pay their respects to those who died while walking down a city centre pavement
Witnesses who saw the accident unfold also revisited the scene today and told of their shock
The Queen's message read: 'Prince Philip and I were saddened by the news of the tragic accident in Glasgow yesterday.
'Our thoughts and prayers go to the families of those who have lost loved ones and to those who have been injured.
'This sad event is made even more difficult as it comes at Christmas time. I send my condolences to all the people of Glasgow.'
The truck mounted a pavement crammed with pedestrians, knocking them down, before thundering towards the city's main square, where more people were hit.
The vehicle finally stopped after slamming into the Millennium Hotel on George Square, next to the entrance of the city's Queen Street Station.
It was reported this morning that two co-workers of the lorry's driver were in the cab at the time of the accident.
Flowers were placed at the scene of the crash overnight and this morning and a service of prayers will be held for those who died later today. Flags in the city are flying at half mast.
Police officers place flowers among tributes left at the scene this morning by shocked members of the public
A young girl hands flowers to a police officer to be placed with the growing number of tributes at the scene
Residents of the city have brought flowers to the area as they struggled to come to terms with the deaths
Police Scotland said in a statement this morning: 'As a result of the collision, six people died and 10 people were injured, including the driver.
'Seven casualties were taken to hospital by the ambulance service, two walked in to hospital and one was treated at the scene.
'There are currently six people in hospital being treated for their injuries. Two have been moved to the Intensive Therapy Unit for further monitoring. The deceased includes one male and five females.'
Private ambulances were seen leaving the area early this morning and the lorry has now been removed from the scene.
A special service was held at the nearby St George's Tron Parish Church today.
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, which was attended by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Glasgow City Council leader Gordon Matheson, began with the carol In The Bleak Midwinter.
Mr Smith said: 'In just a few minutes yesterday afternoon a scene of celebration and festive lights in George Square turned to devastation and despair. A bleak midwinter and darkness indeed.
'Yet almost immediately first volunteers, passers-by and then our emergency services appeared on the scene, bringing compassion and skill and dedication and light into the darkness.'
He said the tragic events in the city centre had 'affected us all and brought us all here together as one'.
This morning, a sombre mood prevailed in the city, which yesterday thronged with busy Christmas shoppers
A police officer and the Bishop of Glasgow and Galloway, the Very Rev Dr Gregor Duncan (right) lay flowers
Many in the city have expressed their sadness that the tragedy happened so close to Christmas
The cause of the crash is still being investigated, but police have said it was not a terrorism-related inciden, and 'nothing more sinister' than a fatal traffic accident.
In the moments after the accident, victims lay in pools of blood, their Christmas shopping spilled on the pavements beside them and screams filled the air.
It is thought the lorry driver may have lost control after suffering a heart attack or a seizure. Some witnesses reported seeing him slumped over the wheel.
The Glasgow City Council bin lorry had been travelling north on the city's Queen Street at around 2.30pm when the driver appeared to lose control.
The council said it was a commercial waste collection truck which was on its usual round, picking up rubbish from shops and restaurants with two refuse staff working alongside the driver.
Witnesses said the lorry mounted the pavement outside the Gallery of Modern Art, close to the iconic Duke of Wellington statue, hitting the first pedestrian, a woman in her twenties there.
A special service was held at the St George's Tron Parish Church today, Glasgow Lord Provost Sadie Docherty lit a candle for those who lost their lives
(Left to right) Glasgow City Council leader Gordon Matheson, Glasgow Lord Provost Sadie Docherty, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Glasgow Deputy Lord Provost Gerald Leonard at the service today
Scottish First Minister visited the scene this morning and inspected the hundreds of floral tributes
She said this morning: 'Glasgow this morning is a broken hearted city' and, referring the the Clutha bar air crash which happened last year, added that 2014 had 'been bookended by two unimaginable tragedies'
It then appeared to accelerate, knocking people down 'like skittles', striking two women at a pizzeria and further people down the street.
Some were able to dive out of its path into shop doorways. But others did not even realise what was happening until it was too late.
The bin lorry then veered back onto the road and careered through red lights as it travelled past the enormous ferris wheel and merry-go-round at the western end of George Square. It also hit a silver taxi outside Queen Street station.
The truck is thought to have hit more people waiting to cross the road outside the Millennium Hotel before crashing into the building and finally stopping.
The area was busy with shoppers and children heading to a Christmas funfair at the time.
Investigations into the incident will examine is how the vehicle travelled around 328 yards in an almost straight line before it came to rest.
'We can confirm that six people have died as a result,' said a Police Scotland statement; 'Emergency services are currently at the scene.'
How the horror unfolded: 1) Bin lorry is travelling north along Queen Street when it mounts pavement. 2) A woman in her twenties is hit close to the Duke of Wellington statue. 3) Two women are hit near La Vita Pizzeria in Queen Street, while several other people are struck further along the road. 4) The lorry careers through traffic lights and across St Vincent's Place. 5) It hits a silver Skoda taxi, knocking it across the road at the entrance to Queen Street station. 6) In this picture taken from inside the railway station, the Skoda and bin lorry are seen when they come to rest
Glasgow City Council switched off the Christmas lights in George Square last night as a mark of respect
The force added: 'Eight people receiving treatment for their injuries across three Glasgow city hospitals. We will update further when we can.'
It is believed some of the fire crews who attended the scene were those who were at the nearby Clutha bar just over a year ago, when ten people died in a helicopter crash.
All roads in the surrounding area were immediately sealed off and people were told to stay away from George Square, and to let their families know they were safe.
All of the casualties, including the lorry driver, were taken to the Southern General Hospital, Glasgow Royal Infirmary and the Western Infirmary.
Last night, police continued to investigate the tragedy as emergency workers, their efforts poignantly lit by Christmas lights, began to clear up around the scene.
The lights in George Square were later switched off as a mark of respect.
Glasgow City Council said it had considered turning off the lights after the incident, but had been asked by police to leave them on to help illuminate work on the investigation.
Investigation: Emergency services remained at the scene of the carnage late into the night
Witnesses say the truck was out of control as it entered George Square and ploughed into pedestrians. Pictured right is a police officer taking a bunch of flowers to lay at the crash site
Emergency services close to the stricken lorry, which also appeared to have hit this car before coming to a halt at the hotel
At the time of the crash, the square had been filled with shoppers and families enjoying a Christmas ice rink and fairground. The attractions have now been closed, along with the rest of the square.
Witnesses reported seeing injured people strewn across the street as bystanders rushed to help them. Some have claimed the driver suffered a heart attack and had been seen slumped over the wheel, while others said he may have experienced some sort of seizure.
Police could not say whether the lorry driver was ill before the crash but said he is being treated at hospital.
Police were unable to say if any children were among the casualties, but a spokesman said there had been families in the area at the time.
The incident, on the first day of the Christmas holidays, was witnessed by hundreds of people.
Mobile phone footage recorded loud screams as the vehicle ploughed its devastating path.
EERIE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN TRAGEDY AND BRAD PITT FILM
The tragedy bears a striking resemblance to a scene from Brad Pitt's World War Z, which was filmed in Glasgow in 2011 only yards from where yesterday's tragedy unfolded.
The zombie film includes a scene in which a bin lorry crashes into several cars as pedestrians scramble out of the way. The movie bin lorry careers along Cochrane Street, before coming to a stop on the corner of George Square.
The 2013 film – produced by and starring Pitt – saw the city centre play the part of Philadelphia. The film grossed nearly £350million.
The tragedy bears a striking resemblance to a scene from Brad Pitt's World War Z
One witness, Shirin Abdyedner, 20, a trainee nurse, said: 'We came down the street and there were people just lying everywhere. The lorry was crashed into the train station and there were people covered in white sheets.
'There was a man lying with his bag of shopping beside him. He was dead.'
She added: 'I'm a nurse and wanted to see if I could help people out but there was nothing I could do. There were just so many people lying in the street crying. I didn't know what to do except cry. I was just crying.'
Another witness, Must Adama, was driving behind the bin lorry and saw the disaster unfold.
'I thought he was indicating to pull over and get the bins but he wasn't,' she said. 'He just went up into the pavement and hit the first girl, then kept going.
'He just hit them all. I stopped and screamed and was crying. I wanted to help people but there was nothing I could do. He just kept going and hit more people. He must have been going about 40mph.'
Clearly traumatised, she continued: 'I keep seeing it. If I sit I'll see it. I feel sick. I want to be sick. I saw the people dead. They are dead.'
Business student Nicole MacLachlan saved the life of sister Ashley by pushing her out of the lorry's path. 'It will live with us for ever,' she said.
Witness, Ewan Little, 15, was walking along the pavement when the lorry suddenly loomed behind him.
'I felt something push my arm from behind,' he said. 'I had no idea what it was and then the person in front of me was on the ground. The lorry had come right up into the pavement and hit her, then it just kept going faster and hitting people.
'One minute people were walking and then they were on the ground. There were people screaming and running to get out of the way.'
Shaking violently, he added: 'If I had been just a bit in front it would have knocked me over. It was terrifying.'
Rescue workers at the scene of the horror crash last night. Police have confirmed six people died
The refuse lorry hit a taxi before it ploughed into the wall of the Millennium Hotel
A mother who was walking her two children fainted after she pulled the pram out of the lorry's path with only a split-second to spare. Another young woman was seen staggering to her feet after being knocked down by the lorry. Then she collapsed again, bleeding profusely.
Student Reece Miller from Motherwell, Lanarkshire, spoke of seeing 'lots of bodies' on the ground. One woman, he said, was lying covered by a blanket while her family wept. He assumed she was dead.
Anjan Luthra, 23, who was getting his lunch in George Square when he saw the truck. He said: 'It happened in seconds. I will never forget the bodies, they were so badly hurt and injured. They had been crushed, flattened by the lorry.
Business student Nicole MacLachlan (left) saved the life of sister Ashley (right) by pushing her out of the lorry's path
'I caught a glimpse of the lorry driver, he was slumped to his left over the wheel.
'There were men and women in the street, elderly people who would not have had time to get out of the way. There were children who were very distressed seeing it. There were people just sitting by the bodies crying. It was the worst thing I have seen. These were ordinary people going shopping and they didn't make it home.'
Some shoppers rushed to the aid of victims and were performing CPR before the first ambulances arrived.
Within minutes, dozens of emergency vehicles were in attendance and many surrounding roads were closed.
Then, for many, the screams gave way to bewilderment, helplessness and trauma.
Comedian and writer Janey Godley was in Glasgow city centre doing her Christmas shopping like thousands of others when she witnessed the aftermath of the bin lorry crash.
The 53-year-old said she felt 'horrific' for the families of those caught up in the accident but praised the emergency services and the people of Glasgow.
Describing the scene at George Square, she said: 'At the side of the pavement the traffic poles were absolutely flattened so I knew that a vehicle had mounted the pavement.
'There were people on the ground being worked on by the emergency services.
'There was a lot of debris and Christmas shopping scattered all around so it was quite a distressing sight for everyone.
'As soon as I walked onto the scene I spoke to a shopkeeper who said a bin lorry had mounted the pavement and crushed a taxi so I knew immediately it was a road accident.'
Superintendent for Road Policing Division Stewart Carle said he estimated the bin lorry continued for roughly 300m along the pavement after striking the first pedestrian
All roads in the surrounding area were immediately sealed off and people were told to stay away from George Square, and to let their families know they were safe
She added: 'It's such a horrific, dense corner for that to happen.
'In the background you had the (carnival) swing still going in George Square. It was a very surreal image.
'People were on the road and their families will be distressed to know they were lying on the street but the emergency services were doing an amazing job.'
Ms Godley said: 'This was the only day I could get out shopping and I don't need my Christmas shopping now.
'I genuinely have no interest in it, I don't want to go Christmas shopping, but I am filled with the amazing spirit of the people of Glasgow.
'When the police said everybody move, everybody moved.
David Lyon grabbed his girlfriend to get her out of the way of the lorry
'What was touching was people went down the traffic and were telling all the buses and taxis, explaining that there had been an accident.
'So Glasgow people rallied round immediately and that reinforced my love for my own city yet again. That's who we are.'
The tragedy struck barely a year after the Clutha Bar helicopter crash in the city. Ten people died when a police helicopter crashed on to the roof of the pub on November 29 last year.
Referring to the helicopter crash, Ms Godley said: 'My city has had another drama but my city will come through it.
'My thoughts and respects are with the families tonight and big up to the emergency services who were there on the ground immediately.
'It made me feel absolutely horrific and sad but still amazed that we as Glaswegians were there.'
Student Lewis Irvine, 17, said: 'I was out doing my Christmas shopping and was walking across George Square when it happened.
'The lorry went swerving along the road and it went up onto the pavement and went into a load of people. It must have hit at least half a dozen people. Then it went into the Millennium Hotel.
'I could see the driver at the wheel. It looked like he was having a fit or something. There were bodies lying on the ground. It was awful.'
'The people who were hit had no time to take evasive action. They had no chance. The lorry went straight into them and scattered them like skittles. It was awful.'
Witnesses reported seeing injured people strewn across the street as bystanders rushed to help them
Shopper Melanie Grieg described how people were knocked 'down like pinballs'
Eyewitness Joty Chopra, a 21-year-old student, said: 'We were having lunch around the corner and heard a loud bang and came running out.
'When we got to the scene there were three people lying on the floor - two of them were in a pool of blood.
He added: 'The city centre has been packed today with Christmas shoppers. Other people around us told how the lorry mounted the pavement at quite a high speed.
'The emergency services were on the scene really quickly and have cordoned the area off so we can't see much more.'
Another witness, Peter Smith, said he saw someone with a white sheet draped over them on the ground adding: 'No a very nice atmosphere in town at the moment? No wonder, horrible tragedy'
Debris from parts of cars knocked into by the lorry as it moved across the square was left strewn across the road.
After the bin lorry came to a halt, one of the first people it had struck was carried onto steps outside the Gallery of Modern Art. She was seen lying in the recovery position with her friends around her. They had placed jackets on top of her and were shouting for help.
Police closed off the square as a huge team of emergency service workers moved in to treat the wounded
Police have confirmed the incident is being treated as a road traffic incident and nothing more sinister
Eventually paramedics reached the girl and fixed her into a back brace.
Restaurateur George Leionymidis said: 'Some people say they saw the driver lying on his steering wheel so it's assumed he had a medical condition – a stroke or heart attack. After the lorry crashed, the driver was lying down on the floor and receiving medical attention.'
A spokesman for the Institute of Traffic Accident Investigators said that vehicles, even large ones, can carry on for a considerable distance if there is an 'unintended acceleration', which could be caused by a driver falling ill - and perhaps going into a spasm - with their foot on the accelerator, or by someone inadvertently pressing the accelerator rather than the brake.
The man, who asked not to be named, said: 'Without speculating on this incident, there might be a number of causes for a vehicle to travel a considerable distance.
'If there is no external influence on the steering direction of the vehicle, then it will continue in a straight line.
'An external influence might be a driver applying steering, or the wheels coming into contact with something like a kerb.
'Regarding the distance travelled, one would expect a vehicle to slow if the driver's foot had been removed from the accelerator, due to engine braking. And of course if the brake were applied one would expect it to slow.'
A firefighter reaches under the council bin lorry whose driver reportedly suffered a seizure or heart attack
Bystanders rushed to help those knocked down by the lorry before emergency services arrived
The spokesman said that in the eventuality of a brake failure a driver can also slow a vehicle by changing down through the gears.
He added: 'But there are air brakes on those (bin lorries) and vehicles are fitted with a fail-safe mechanism. In air-brake system failures, brakes will come on automatically.
'Had there been a failure in the air brake system the air brakes should automatically apply, but if it has carried on all this distance that would not appear to have been a problem in this case.
'So gravity and engine braking would slow it down over a relatively short distance, if acceleration was not applied. And obviously brakes being applied should slow it down over a relatively short distance.'
Superintendent for Road Policing Division Stewart Carle said he estimated the bin lorry continued for roughly 328 yards along the pavement after striking the first pedestrian.
He said: 'At about half past two this afternoon a Glasgow City Council refuse bin lorry has been travelling north on Queen Street just outside the Gallery of Modern Art when it collided with a pedestrian.'
Many bystanders were left struggling to come to terms with the dreadful scenes they witnessed
One witness said the driver looked like he was 'having a fit' at the wheel of the vehicle during the crash
Witnesses told of their shock at the scene where a number of people lost their lives yesterday lunchtime
He added: 'The lorry continued up Queen Street towards George Square and there's been a number of other collisions with pedestrians on the pavement.
'As a consequence there's been a number of fatalities. The bin lorry has come to rest against the Millennium Hotel. I would estimate, from the point of the initial impact to the hotel, about 300m.
'There was a multiple agency response to this from fire, ambulance and police, as well as Glasgow City Council and other support agencies.
'The seriously injured have been taken to the three main Glasgow major incident sites.
'We've declared a major incident and we're working with out partners as quickly as possible to resolve the situation and to identify those who have lost their lives, and to be there to support their families and next of kin.'
He added: 'The bin lorry is in its final position just at the top of Queen Street at the corner of the Millennium Hotel where it crashed in, and that's how it came to a stop.
'We are currently starting a joint investigation with the Criminal Investigation Department as to what has happened here.
'The driver has been taken to hospital where he is receiving treatment.'
Ambulance crews battled to save those injured in the crash and witnesses reported many 'walking wounded'
The lorry crashed into a wall next to the entrance to Queen Street Station next to the Millennium Hotel
The square has now been closed off as police examine the scene and try to work out what happened
Witnesses looked on horror-struck after the accident in the crowded city centre square
Police say they are starting a joint investigation with the Criminal Investigation Department
Political leaders in Scotland and at Westminster also expressed their shock and paid tribute to the emergency services.
For Nicola Sturgeon, the incident marks the first serious tragedy of her time as First Minister.
In a statement, Scotland's First Minister said: 'My thoughts are with everyone involved in this tragic incident, and especially with the friends and families of the six people who lost their lives in what is another sad day for Glasgow and Scotland.
'I am currently at the Police Scotland control room in Govan with Justice Secretary Michael Matheson, where I am being fully briefed with the latest information.
'As ever, Scotland's emergency services have responded in a swift and professional manner and I would encourage everyone to let them get on with their vitally important roles.'
Local MSP Sandra White said: 'This is an utterly tragic day for the city of Glasgow and my heart goes out to the families of those who have lost their lives.
'For an incident like this to occur at any time of year is terrible, but for it to happen only a few days before Christmas is especially heartbreaking.
'This city has seen more than its share of tragedy in recent times - but I know I speak for all Glaswegians when I say that we will pull together and support all those affected as we always do.
'Glasgow is noted for how we respond to adversity - and we can be proud of the response of the emergency services, and of the people of Glasgow who did their best to help in the immediate aftermath.
'In the meantime, I would urge people to, as far as possible, stay away from the area in order to allow the emergency services to continue to do their jobs.'
Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy said: 'We don't yet know the full extent of this tragedy, but my thoughts and prayers are with everybody involved.
An aerial shot of George Square shows the stretch of pavement where pedestrians were hit (circled, bottom) and the corner of the Millennium Hotel where the lorry ended up, crashed against a wall (circled, top)
Photos taken by pedestrians show the smashed windscreen of the vehicle after the accident
'People in Glasgow and across the whole of Scotland will be mourning this loss of life so close to Christmas. No words will be able to do justice to the pain the families involved will be feeling this evening.
'I want to pay tribute to our emergency services, who are performing heroics in the worst of circumstances. They will have the admiration of every Glaswegian and all Scots.'
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: 'This is a terrible tragedy, right in the heart of Scotland's biggest city.
'No-one expects that ordinary people, out to do some last-minute Christmas shopping, would fail to make it home.
'Everyone's thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones today.
'Glasgow's response has been magnificent. Passers-by immediately tried to help the injured, to direct traffic and assist the emergency services. Those emergency workers showed huge professionalism treating the wounded, securing the site and making sure people stayed safe.
'Glasgow has pulled together in recent times during such senseless tragedies, and we've seen it do so again today.'
Prime Minister David Cameron said: 'I'm being kept fully briefed on the major incident in Glasgow. My thoughts are with the families of those involved and the emergency services.'
Emergency services are now investigating and urged anyone in the area to contact relatives
Emergency services at the scene of the accident, which happened at around 2.30pm yesterday afternoon
Labour leader Ed Miliband said: 'Terrible news from Glasgow - my thoughts are with all those affected by this horrific accident.'
Inverclyde Council Provost Robert Moran said: 'On behalf of the community of Inverclyde, my thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the tragic events in Glasgow today.
'A tragedy like this one is shocking at any time. But, this occurring at Christmas when the city is packed with shoppers somehow makes it feel worse.
'As a community we must do all we can to support friends, family, neighbours or colleagues affected by this tragedy.
'The emergency services and all of those who responded today deserve our full praise.'
The Scottish Fire Service tweeted: 'Firefighters are in attendance at a serious incident in Queen Street, Glasgow. Our crews are working alongside other emergency responders.'
Sarah Brown, the wife of former Prime Minister Gordon also expressed her shock in a tweet.
'So saddened to hear of the fatalities in dreadful #georgesquare crash in Glasgow - thinking of the families involved,' she wrote.
First, I heard a bang... then came terrible screaming
by Findlay Mair, who watched the horror unfold
First there came the terrible loud bang. Then all I heard was screaming.
As I turned from where I was standing in George Square and looked towards the Millennium Hotel, I saw a bin lorry up on the pavement and smashed into the hotel.
At first it looked as though it was just badly parked.
On the scene: Findlay Mair (pictured) was in George Square yesterday and watched the horror unfold
But there was a car behind the lorry, possibly a taxi, and the driver appeared to have been injured. Then, it became clear, this was no ordinary accident.
Suddenly it was chaos. Panic washed over those who had just witnessed this incomprehensible nightmare.
Some people were running towards the scene, others stood rooted to the spot, struck dumb with shock.
There were people who had come into the city for fun. Now, they could only stand and stare, unable to process the horror unfolding around them.
At first it was very difficult to grasp what had actually happened because the area had been so busy. Instinctively, almost, I found myself moving closer to the site of the crash.
As I got closer, a scene of utter devastation greeted me.
The pavement and surrounding street were left strewn with glass and debris from cars and other vehicles
There were bodies lying in the road mingled with wreckage from the collision. Shopping bags and gifts were strewn everywhere. The screaming continued.
All around me were snapshots of pain and terrible suffering. I saw one girl who had been hit, lying on the ground. She got up – blood was pouring from her mouth – then she went down again.
She was young, no more than of student age. She screamed and screamed and then her body just collapsed beneath her, like a rag doll. It was clear she had very serious injuries and her distress was almost unbearable.
A woman got out of her car and just stared at what was unfolding. Then her face crumpled and she started sobbing uncontrollably. The words 'Oh God, oh God' kept tumbling out of her mouth in utter disbelief.
Among the bodies and scattered bits of twisted metal, Christmas shopping littered the ground – bags and parcels destined for loved ones that will never be placed under a tree.
And there was blood everywhere. Time seemed to stand still.
Those who were able to gather their wits ran to the victims to help, to do whatever they could.
The people who were hit simply had no time to take evasive action. The lorry bowled straight into them, scattering them like skittles.
Everyone started pulling out their mobile phones and calling the emergency services.
The first paramedics were on the scene within about three minutes, then there was a steady stream of ambulances, fire engines and police cars arriving.
They were met with horrific scenes. Yet, tending to the dead and the dying and the terrible pain of those badly injured, they reacted with calm professionalism. For some victims, though, it was clear that they were beyond help. They had suffered terrible injuries. The only small mercy, perhaps, was that they would have died quickly.
In a statement, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the tragedy as 'another sad day for Glasgow and Scotland'
Everything happened quickly, only two days before Christmas. The accident – and then the aftermath.
Moments earlier, there had been such a buzz in the air. Hundreds of shoppers were drawn to the dazzling display of festive lights which light up George Square.
Usually a place of such joy – within seconds all of that had turned to unimaginable horror.
Before, the only sounds were the seasonal music blasting out from shops and the chatter and laughter of the crowds making their way through the square.
And then there was nothing but carnage and terrified faces everywhere you looked. I felt like I was standing in the middle of some surreal movie and yet it was all too real.
It was only then that a icy shiver ran down my back as I was struck by the cold realisation that, moments earlier, I had been standing exactly where that lorry careered along the pavement.
Many others standing nearby must have been thinking the same thing.
Talk inevitably turned to the freak accident visited upon Glasgow in the run-up to last Christmas, when a police helicopter fell out of the sky and landed on the Clutha bar, killing ten people.
On that occasion, the spirit of Glasgow came to the fore as people from all walks of life came to the aid of the injured. There was the same sense of pulling together, which may be the only positive thing any of us can take from yesterday's tragedy.
For my part, I know that the sight of the flashing blue lights of the emergency vehicles merging with the blinking Christmas lights of George Square is one that will haunt me forever.
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