Helicopter crashes into crowded Scottish pub

A police helicopter crashed into the roof of a pub crowded with Friday-night revelers in the Scottish city of Glasgow, trapping a number people under the debris, rescuers and witnesses said.

Urban search and rescue specialists joined firefighters in the search for possible victims inside The Clutha Bar, a one-story pub near the banks of the River Clyde, according to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

“I can confirm there are a number of casualties but it is too early at this stage to provide further details,” Deputy Chief Constable Rose Fitzpatrick of the Scotland Police said in a written statement.

The helicopter, carrying two police officers and a civilian pilot, crashed on the roof of the pub at 10:25 p.m. local time, Scottish police said.

“Given an incident of this scale we must all prepare ourselves for the likelihood of fatalities,” the head of the Scottish government, Alex Salmond, said in a post on his official Twitter account.

The crash occurred as patrons listened to the self-styled ska band Esperanza, which had taken the stage at the pub a short time earlier.

Jim Murphy, a member of the UK Parliament, said he arrived at the pub just moments after the crash and saw people trying to get out of the building.

“Most of the helicopter appeared to be inside the pub,” said Murphy, who represents a portion of Glasgow.

Murphy estimated he saw at least 10 people who were injured, including some who were struggling with consciousness and others who were bleeding from head wounds.