Driver in Glasgow bin lorry tragedy 'deliberately concealed' health issues

The driver of a bin lorry which crashed in Glasgow killing six people "deliberately misled" doctors over his medical history, a fatal accident inquiry (FAI) is understood to have found.

A further 15 people were injured when the council truck veered out of control in the city centre on December 22 last year.

The vehicle travelled along the pavement in Queen Street before before crashing into the side of the Millennium Hotel in George Square after driver Harry Clarke blacked out behind the wheel.

The inquiry into the tragedy found that the 58-year-old "repeatedly lied in order to gain and retain jobs and licences", according to reports.

It also found that he "deliberately concealed relevant information from the DVLA".

The inquiry heard evidence over five weeks at Glasgow Sheriff Court in July and August this year.

During the hearing, emergency service workers, council staff, doctors, crash experts and those who were inside the bin lorry - including Mr Clarke - gave evidence.

The probe heard that it took just 19 seconds for the tragedy to unfold.

During the course of the incident, numerous members of the public saw Mr Clarke unconscious, slumped forward in the driver's seat.

The inquiry also heard that he had a history of health issues dating back to the 1970s - including a previous blackout in 2010 when at the wheel of a stationary bus - but had not disclosed his medical background to his employers or the DVLA.

When he gave evidence towards the end of the hearing, Mr Clarke was warned by the sheriff that he did not have to answer questions which could incriminate him as the families of some of the victims had signalled their intention to raise a private prosecution against him.

It is understood that papers could be lodged before Christmas.

Sheriff John Beckett's FAI full determination will be issued at midday.