Lawyers representing some of the victims of a helicopter crash in Glasgow have called for a public inquiry into the safety of all commercial flights in the UK.
Ten people died and more than 30 were taken to hospital after a police helicopter crashed through the roof of the packed Clutha pub in Glasgow on November 29.
The call comes after the launch of an inquiry into the safety of offshore flights following last year’s fatal Super Puma crash off Shetland.
Earlier this week MPs on the committee questioned representatives from helicopter operators, manufacturers, trade unions and industry bodies in Aberdeen.
Now Legal firm Irwin Mitchell has written to transport ministers at Westminster and Holyrood calling for a public inquiry into helicopter safety.
It has not yet been established why the helicopter fell from the sky, although investigators said initial evidence rules out engine or gearbox failure.
Irwin Mitchell said the investigation should be extended as there have been 20 helicopter accidents in UK airspace, with at least 40 fatalities, since 2009.
Clive Garner, head of Irwin Mitchell’s aviation law team, said: “The tragedy in Glasgow has put a spotlight on the issue of helicopter safety, but the unfortunate truth is that it is just the latest in a string of tragedies and urgent action is now needed to ensure that helicopter safety standards are reviewed and improvements made where necessary.
“Our clients rightly want answers and reassurances that no-one else will have to go through the ordeals that they have been through.
“Because of our concerns, we have written to transport ministers in both the UK and Scottish parliaments demanding that they do what is right in these circumstances and launch a full public inquiry into the safety of helicopters operating within UK airspace with the aim of improving helicopter safety.
“While the review into the safety of offshore helicopter operations is certainly necessary, there are wider and more fundamental issues which need to be investigated.”
The firm is asking for an investigation into the UK’s helicopter safety record compared to other countries, the effectiveness of current regulation and what legislation could be used to address concerns.
Recommended for you
