A primary school teacher and a couple who were Christmas shopping with their teenaged granddaughter among those killed

The six people killed when an out-of-control council bin lorry ploughed through pedestrians in Glasgow’s city centre have been named.

Jack Sweeney, 68, his wife, Lorraine, 69, and their granddaughter, Erin McQuade, 18, from Dumbarton, were thought to be Christmas shopping together when they were struck by the lorry as it careered through George Square before crashing into the Millennium hotel at around 2.30pm on Monday.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Floral tributes on Queen Street near the scene of the crash. Photograph: Paul Stewart/Paul Stewart/Demotix/Corbis

Stephanie Tait, a 29-year-old primary school teacher, from Riddrie, Glasgow, Gillian Ewing, 52, from Edinburgh, and Jacqueline Morton, 51, from Glasgow, were also killed in the accident.

The Sweeneys had links with Canada, where Mr Sweeney was once president of Bramalea Celtic supporters club. A statement posted on the club’s Facebook page said: “It is with great shock and sadness we share with you our friend and past president Jack Sweeney, his wife Lorraine and granddaughter Erin were victims of today’s tragedy in Glasgow.”

Relative John Sweeney described himself as “feeling heartbroken” on Facebook. He wrote: “No words can describe the pain. R.I.P. Jack, Lorraine and Erin. Thoughts and prayers go out to the other families that lost loved ones as well.”

Allan Reich, general manager of Cameron House resort, Loch Lomond, where Erin McQuade worked, remembered her as a “bright and dedicated” member of staff. He said: “Cameron House hotel and resort are saddened to hear we have lost one of our brightest and dedicated members of housekeeping staff, Erin McQuade. We want to offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family of Erin and to all those who have been affected by the tragic events at George Square yesterday.”

Bunches of flowers were left at the gates of St Philomena’s primary school in Glasgow, where Tait taught. Tributes on social media described her as a popular teacher.

One former pupil, Selina White, wrote on Twitter: “Absolutely gutted to hear one of my primary teachers was involved in that accident in George Square yesterday. RIP Stephanie Tait.”

Ten people were injured, six of whom remain in hospitals around the city, when the lorry mounted the pavement – scattering pedestrians “like pinballs”, according to witnesses.

The driver, who was described by some at the scene as appearing to be slumped at the wheel, was also taken to hospital on Monday. Glasgow city council confirmed on Tuesday morning that two other crew members were in the lorry at the time of the crash, but their condition is not known.

Floral tributes are placed near the scene of the tragedy

A message of condolence from the Queen said: “Prince Philip and I were saddened by the news of the tragic accident in Glasgow yesterday. Our thoughts and prayers go to the families of those who have lost loved ones and to those who have been injured. This sad event is made even more difficult as it comes at Christmas time. I send my condolences to all the people of Glasgow.”

A metal police cordon erected late on Monday remained in place on Tuesday, hiding the scene of the crash from onlookers. A fleet of private ambulances carrying the dead left the area earlier on Tuesday morning. The Christmas lights have been switched off in George Square and flags on public buildings in the city are flying at half-mast. Ch Insp Mark Sutherland, of Police Scotland, said it was hoped that the square would be re-opened later.

A growing bank of floral tributes has been moved by police to the area outside the Gallery of Modern Art in Royal Exchange Square. Ian MacLeod came to the scene with three colleagues, one of whom fought back tears. He left a bunch of sunflowers on their behalf. “We work in the red sandstone building nearby and could see it all unfolding out the window.”

Describing the mood in Glasgow as sombre, he added: “It’s very sad. I think this place will be covered in flowers by the end of the day.”

Jade Russell, 22, a shop worker from nearby Sauchiehall Street, laid purple carnations at the scene. “I just wanted to pay my respects. It’s a dreadful thing to happen at any time of year but just unbelievable so close to Christmas. The thing about this city is that it really does pull together.”

Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, arrived at the scene just after 11am on Tuesday. She said that her thoughts were with all the victims of the tragedy and praised the emergency services for their response. “2014 has been an incredible year for Glasgow, but a year bookended by two unimaginable tragedies,” she said.

“This city will pull together to support those affected not just in the days ahead but in the weeks and months to come,” she added. “Glasgow is a city that I am deeply proud to call my home.”

Jim Murphy, newly elected leader of the Scottish Labour party, described the tragedy as “another dark day for the city” as he arrived for a service in memory of the victims at St George’s Tron church.

The Rev Stuart Smith, moderator of the presbytery of Glasgow, told the congregation of members of the public, emergency service personnel as well as Sturgeon, Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow city council, and the city’s lord provost: “Side by side, arm in arm, this is a city united in grief.”

“The celebration of Christmas will be different for everybody this year as we reflect on what it means for others with empty places at the table.”

Members of the emergency services comforted one another outside the church, the toll of the past 24 hours visible.

Eleanor Stewart, 27, came to the service after hearing that it was taking place close to a work meeting. “I’m not particularly religious, but I was moved. It brings people together, and there’s somewhere to go. When you see things online you can feel quite distant, so it’s just nice to be with other people this morning.”