Robin Swann MLA, Ulster Unionist Party Chief Whip, has expressed his Party’s sympathies to the family and friends of the victims of the Glasgow helicopter crash.  

Mr Swann said: 

“On behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party, I express our thoughts and sympathies to the family and friends of the nine individuals, crew and family, who lost their lives over the weekend.  An incident such as this reminds us all of the fragility of life and how quickly it can be taken away and how loved ones can be removed from a caring family circle, especially just in the mouth of Christmas, when families will feel that loss immensely. 

“I pay tribute to the emergency services and to the general public, who did a sterling job in bringing those people from the rubble and wreckage. There is talk of the formation of a human chain and the use of torches. Specialist equipment was also brought in, including fibre-optic cameras, specialist sound equipment and carbon dioxide detectors. Those were all on hand and were made full use of. 

“While we remember and congratulate the specialists and the emergency services in the work that they did in rescuing people, our thoughts also turn to the emergency services in hospitals that dealt with those who were seriously injured at that time. I believe that a number of people are still in intensive care, mostly with head and upper body injuries. Therefore, we commend those people to our thoughts and prayers. 

“All parties in Scotland joined in thinking of the loved ones and families at this time, and I am glad that all parties in Northern Ireland have joined with their colleagues in the Scottish Parliament.'