Nightclub owner John ‘Mick’ McWilliams of Edinburgh’s Liquid Rooms took to social media to dispel rumours of his death following a tragic incident involving a bus in the city. The false claims circulating online prompted McWilliams to share a video confirming his well-being and expressing condolences for the actual victim of the accident. He highlighted the dangers of spreading misinformation on social media and emphasised the need for responsible sharing.
The incident, which resulted in the death of a 74-year-old individual struck by a bus on the busy Cowgate street in Edinburgh, led to distressing content being shared online. Reports of a ‘severed head’ image surfaced, causing further anguish to the deceased’s family and the online community. Police issued warnings against sharing such distressing material and urged the public to show respect for the victim and their loved ones by refraining from circulating sensitive content.
Authorities reassured the public that the incident was isolated and that there was no ongoing risk to the wider community. Investigations into the crash are ongoing, with law enforcement calling for anyone with information to come forward to assist in determining the circumstances of the tragedy. They encouraged individuals to report any relevant details to help with the inquiry.
Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene in Edinburgh’s Old Town after reports of the incident at around 7.25 pm. The area was cordoned off, forensic tents were set up, and roadblocks were implemented, impacting Halloween celebrations in the vicinity. Eyewitnesses described the scene as surreal, with police presence and activity indicating the seriousness of the situation. Officers continued to gather evidence and review CCTV footage to piece together the events leading to the fatal outcome.
Sergeant Louise Birrell of Edinburgh’s Road Policing Unit expressed condolences to the family and friends of the deceased individual. Extensive enquiries were being conducted to establish a comprehensive understanding of the incident, with a request for further information from the public to aid in the investigation. Anyone with relevant details was urged to contact the authorities and reference incident number 3395 of Saturday, 2nd November 2024.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the impact of misinformation and the importance of responsible online behaviour, particularly in times of tragedy. As the community grapples with the aftermath of the bus incident, support and cooperation are essential in helping authorities piece together the events leading to the unfortunate loss of life.