Death Toll Now Eight In Scotland Helicopter Crash

Scottish authorities raised the death toll to eight people Saturday in the crash of a police helicopter into a crowded Glasgow pub, stressing that a rescue and recovery operation is ongoing and it is unclear what they will find when the aircraft’s wreckage is moved.

The higher death toll was news that ‘‘everybody had been both dreading and expecting,’’ Scottish Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said.

Chief Constable Stephen House said three of the dead were found in the helicopter, which was carrying two police officers and a civilian pilot when it crashed through the roof of The Clutha pub late Friday.

They ‘‘were our colleagues,’’ House said, bowing his head and taking a long pause and swallow. He said the five other fatalities were found inside the building and 14 people remain hospitalized with serious injuries.

House wouldn’t say if more people are believed to be inside the pub, explaining that the helicopter is still ‘‘dominating the whole space’’ in the one-story building and that until the wreckage is cleared ‘‘we won’t know what is going on’’ underneath.  (Associated Press)