Jim Murphy reunites with Clutha crash survivor in Glasgow

On November 29, 2013, a police helicopter crashed onto the roof of the Clutha bar in Glasgow, resulting in the tragic deaths of 10 individuals and injuries to 32 others. Jim Murphy, then the Scottish Labour leader, was driving past the bar when he stopped to assist in the rescue efforts. He encountered a woman who was unconscious and bleeding, whom he placed on the ground but later lost sight of amidst the chaos. For over a decade, he feared that his failure to place her in the recovery position may have contributed to her fate. The emotional reunion between Murphy and the woman, Nancy Primrose, occurred during a BBC Radio 4 show called The Reunion, which revisited the events surrounding the crash. During their conversation, Primrose reassured Murphy that he did what he could for her that night, alleviating some of his long-held guilt. She also mentioned that the blood on his shirt likely belonged to her, further connecting their experiences from that fateful night. Murphy recounted his memories of the scene, including his initial thoughts upon seeing the helicopter wreckage. He expressed relief that the helicopter was not in the river, unaware of the devastation it had caused inside the bar. The inquiry into the crash later criticized the pilot for ignoring fuel warnings, highlighting the systemic issues that contributed to the tragedy. This reunion not only provided closure for Murphy but also served as a poignant reminder of the human connections forged in times of crisis, illustrating the lasting impact of such traumatic events on survivors and rescuers alike.