Human Cost
The BBC reports on the terrible human cost to some of those injured by the Glasgow bin lorry crash.
Now accident do happen, of course, but the question here is whether the cause of this crash was down to negligence, carelessness, stupidity or selfishness on the part of at least some of the people and/or organisations involved.
My answer to that question would definitely be 'Yes'.
BBC Glasgow & West Scotland
Image captionHarry Clarke arrives at court on Friday
The inquiry into the Glasgow bin lorry crash which killed six people has heard how survivors suffered serious injury.
Victim statements read at the inquiry told of broken bones, disfigurement and ongoing psychological trauma.
The inquiry also heard how Glasgow City Council would probably not have taken on the driver if he had told the truth.
Harry Clarke, 58, who was unconscious at the wheel when the bin lorry crashed, did not tell the council about an earlier driving blackout in 2010.
The fatal accident inquiry (FAI), which is drawing to a close at Glasgow Sheriff Court, is looking at Mr Clarke's health, the bin lorry and its route.
The inquiry into the Glasgow bin lorry crash which killed six people has heard how survivors suffered serious injury.
Victim statements read at the inquiry told of broken bones, disfigurement and ongoing psychological trauma.
The inquiry also heard how Glasgow City Council would probably not have taken on the driver if he had told the truth.
Harry Clarke, 58, who was unconscious at the wheel when the bin lorry crashed, did not tell the council about an earlier driving blackout in 2010.
The fatal accident inquiry (FAI), which is drawing to a close at Glasgow Sheriff Court, is looking at Mr Clarke's health, the bin lorry and its route.
'Road tattoos'
On Tuesday, victim statements from some of those who survived the crash were read in court.
Alix Stewart, who was 14 at the time of the crash, suffered a broke spine, internal injuries and lost an ear.
Her statement said that she underwent a seven-hour operation and has been left with permanent scarring to her chest, shoulder and back.
Ms Stewart said she had been left with "road tattoos" from grit that became embedded under skin and she is having ongoing physiotherapy.
Image caption(Clockwise from top left) Jack Sweeney, Lorraine Sweeney, Erin McQuade, Jacqueline Morton, Stephenie Tait and Gillian Ewing were killed in the crash
Her statement recalled that when she was lying under the lorry, she kept saying to herself: "Please don't let me die".
A statement was also read from Irene McAuley, who was 18 at the time of the crash.
She lost teeth and broke her ankle and had six months of physiotherapy.
Her statement said she needed a bone graft in her jaw as she hit her head on the kerb and may need another graft in future.
Ms McAuley said the crash will affect her for the rest of her life and she still has nightmares.
Her statement recalled that when she was lying under the lorry, she kept saying to herself: "Please don't let me die".
A statement was also read from Irene McAuley, who was 18 at the time of the crash.
She lost teeth and broke her ankle and had six months of physiotherapy.
Her statement said she needed a bone graft in her jaw as she hit her head on the kerb and may need another graft in future.
Ms McAuley said the crash will affect her for the rest of her life and she still has nightmares.
Victim thoughts
The court then heard a statement from Marie Weatherall, who was 64 at the time of the crash, and suffered a broken arm and shoulder.
She said she was a "keen walker" before the crash but now had difficultly walking any distance.
Mrs Weatherall said the crash had taken away a lot of her confidence and motivation and she thinks about those who died "all the time".
Elaine Morrell, who was 49 at the time of the crash, also had her statement read.
Image captionThe inquiry has heard allegations Mr Clarke lied about his medical history to doctors, the DVLA and his employer
She suffered a serious eye injury and had facial surgery and a metal plate implanted.
She said she still cannot go back to George Square or go to her office which overlooks the crash scene.
The inquiry has already heard that Mr Clarke was unconscious at the wheel of the Glasgow City Council bin lorry when it veered out of control on Queen Street on 22 December, killing six people and injuring 15 others.
It has also heard that he suffered an earlier blackout at the wheel of a stationary bus in 2010 when he worked for First Bus as a driver.
This episode and his history of dizziness and other ailments were not disclosed to Glasgow City Council and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
On Tuesday, a minute read to the court stated that Glasgow City Council would have been unlikely to have employed Mr Clarke if it was aware of the blackout, if his licence had been suspended at the time and if he had disclosed the incident in his application.
The inquiry continues.
She suffered a serious eye injury and had facial surgery and a metal plate implanted.
She said she still cannot go back to George Square or go to her office which overlooks the crash scene.
The inquiry has already heard that Mr Clarke was unconscious at the wheel of the Glasgow City Council bin lorry when it veered out of control on Queen Street on 22 December, killing six people and injuring 15 others.
It has also heard that he suffered an earlier blackout at the wheel of a stationary bus in 2010 when he worked for First Bus as a driver.
This episode and his history of dizziness and other ailments were not disclosed to Glasgow City Council and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
On Tuesday, a minute read to the court stated that Glasgow City Council would have been unlikely to have employed Mr Clarke if it was aware of the blackout, if his licence had been suspended at the time and if he had disclosed the incident in his application.
The inquiry continues.
