Glasgow helicopter crash: Clutha death toll rises to 10

Mr Cusker had been treated at Glasgow Royal Infirmary since the crash

One of the people seriously injured in the Glasgow helicopter crash has died in hospital, bringing the death toll from the tragedy to 10.

Joe Cusker, 59, of Cambuslang, South Lanarkshire, died on Thursday in Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

He had been in the Clutha bar when the Police Scotland helicopter crashed into it on 29 November.

News of Mr Cusker's death came as Bond Air Services, which operated the EC 135 helicopter, grounded the model.

Flights of the EC 135 were suspended briefly after a fault was found on a Bond helicopter operated for North West Air Ambulance.

Bond has said the grounding was not related to the Glasgow crash, and the aircraft were later allowed to return to the air after checks were carried out.

Mr Cusker's death was confirmed on Thursday by Police Scotland.

Dep Ch Con Rose Fitzpatrick said: "It is with great sadness that I can confirm the number of people who died when the helicopter came down on the Clutha Vaults pub has increased to 10.

"Our thoughts are with families at this difficult time and we will continue to provide support to them as we have done for all of the bereaved."

In a message posted on Twitter, Mr Cusker's step son, David McClemont, said: "On behalf of my family I'd like to thank all the ICU staff at The Royal for the care and support they gave my stepdad Joe Cusker".

First Minister Alex Salmond said: "I am sure that everyone in Scotland will join with me in expressing our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Joe Cusker, the 10th person who has died as a result of the Clutha Vaults helicopter crash.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has lost a loved one following this terrible tragedy and with those who remain in hospital."

Mr Cusker, who was a voluntary member of the management committee at Rutherglen and Cambuslang Housing Association, is the seventh person inside the bar to have died.

(Top row left to right) David Traill (pilot), PC Kirsty Nelis, PC Tony Collins; (Middle) Gary Arthur, Samuel McGhee, John McGarrigle; (Bottom) Colin Gibson, Mark O'Prey, Robert Jenkins

He had served with the association for about 10 years following his retirement from a career in the housing sector.

Geraldine Baird, who chairs the management committee said: "Joe was a dedicated committee member and a valuable member of our management team.

"He was very committed to helping people in housing need and will be greatly missed by us all."

The six others who died inside The Clutha were Robert Jenkins, 61, Mark O'Prey, 44, Colin Gibson, 33, John McGarrigle, 57, Samuel McGhee, 56, and Gary Arthur, 48.

The three helicopter crew who died in the tragedy were pilot David Traill, 51, and PCs Kirsty Nelis, 36, and Tony Collins, 43.

More than 30 people were taken to hospitals across Glasgow after the crash.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said five remained in hospital and were being treated for a range of injuries.

A spokeswoman said: "Two patients are receiving treatment at Glasgow Royal Infirmary while a further three patients remain at the Queen Elizabeth Spinal Injuries Unit at the Southern General Hospital.

"The range of injuries being treated include bone fractures, spinal injuries, lacerations, chest injuries and head injuries."