Glasgow Bin Lorry Crash Driver Breaks Silence

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The driver of the Glasgow bin lorry that crashed and killed six people has said he was unconscious and cannot remember what happened.

Harry Clarke was at the wheel of the truck when it careered down a busy shopping street in the city three days before Christmas.

Speaking to the media for the first time, he told the Daily Record the victims were on his mind "every minute of every day".

But the 58-year-old said his memory is a blank and he cannot remember the time leading up to the tragedy.

"I understand a lot of people want to know what happened that day. I wish I could tell you but I can't," he told the Daily Record.

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Gallery: Images From The Scene In Glasgow After The Bin Lorry Crash

The lorry crashed into the Millennium Hotel at the top of Queen Street in the city centre

One police officer said it first mounted the pavement 300 metres down the street

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The streets were busy with Christmas shoppers, many of whom raced to the scene to help

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Ambulance, police and fire crews were quickly on the scene as the scale of the incident became clear

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There were concerns about a potential gas leak after the lorry damaged a gas pipe

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"I just want all of the families of the injured and deceased to know I can't remember anything.

"I wish I could but I was unconscious.

"I have racked my brain to try to remember but I can't. I will never know what happened other than people telling me what they saw."

Among those killed in the crash were 18-year-old Erin McQuade and her grandparents, Jack and Lorraine Sweeney.

Stephenie Tait, 29, Jacqueline Morton, 51, and Gillian Ewing, 52, also died when the truck mounted the pavement and drove for up to 300 yards before crashing into a hotel.

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Gallery: Victims Of Glasgow Bin Lorry Crash

Jacqueline Morton, 51, who had left work early to collect her granddaughters

Stephenie Tait, 29, was a teacher at St Philomena's Primary school

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Mr Clarke was diagnosed with a heart condition after the crash and has been undergoing hospital tests, but said he previously had no idea he was in poor health.

He also said he regretted not speaking out before.

"I don't want the families to think I have been hiding," he told the Daily Record.

"I am anxious that I don't upset anyone but I feel I need to speak out today."

The former bus driver, who has received thousands of messages of support from the public, added: "Nothing will ever be normal for the families or me ever again.

"I think of everyone every minute of every day.

"I grieve for everyone involved in the accident. Every day is a struggle."

Police have finished their investigation into the incident and the Crown Office is now deciding whether any inquiry or criminal charges should be brought.

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