GLASGOW, Scotland, Nov. 29 (UPI) -- There were "a number of casualties" when a police helicopter crashed Friday into a busy pub on the River Clyde in Glasgow, Scotland, a police official said.
Deputy Chief Constable Rose Fitzpatrick said a civilian pilot was at the controls with two police officers on board, STV reported. In a statement, she said the crash into the Clutha Vaults pub is being investigated by Police Scotland and the Air Accident Investigations Board.
"I can confirm there are a number of casualties but it is too early at this stage to provide further details." Fitzpatrick said. "We will provide further updates at the appropriate time."
Shadow Development Secretary Jim Murphy, who represents a Scottish parliamentary district, told STV he was driving by and saw people come out of the pub, many of them "covered in dust."
"The walking wounded told me a band was playing inside," Murphy said. "Some inside the pub said they didn't know a helicopter had hit. I didn't see it either -- I just saw them coming out."
A "pile of people" were seen running out of the pub, Murphy said.
ITV News said weather conditions were clear and calm at the time of the crash.
