Tributes to Renfrew dad killed in horror crash at ‘horrendous’ Shawhead flyover
Tributes have been paid to a "loving husband and father" who died in a horror three-vehicle crash near Coatbridge[1].
Emergency Services raced to the A725[2] Shawhead flyover, at its junction with the A8 eastbound slip road, at around 11.30am on Thursday (July 18) following reports of a crash involving a HGV, Ford Transit flatbed and Mini Cooper.
The 50-year-old driver of the Transit, who has been named locally as Viorel Ciucu, sadly died in the collision.
The welder at Southampton Marine Services (SMS) leaves behind wife Veronica and three children, aged between 13 and 23. The Renfrew[5] family are heartbroken following the tragedy. Alex Stobo, Viorel's boss at SMS, told Glasgow Live of his shock after returning to work from holiday to discover his beloved colleague had died. He said: "I came in on Friday (July 19) to find the van wasn’t in the workshop and nobody was there. I switched my phone on and I got a message from one of the directors down south. I phoned the director and found out what had happened. "They sent everybody home on Thursday and workers took Friday off as a mark of respect. "We are devastated and absolutely gutted." Family man Viorel loved his cars, with his Volvo S60 said to be his "pride and joy", and travelling around Scotland with his loved-ones. Paying tribute, Alex added: "He was a really fun character and nice guy. He was always laughing and full of jokes, but also conscientious and a very good worker. "He was a very friendly and bubbly character willing to do more than what was required. His family are just in shock. "He is a major loss to the company and we miss him in the workshop." We previously reported how calls for action[6] were made regarding the 'danger' junction in the wake of Viorel's death. "It’s an horrendous junction with multiple accidents taking place, something really needs to be done.", Alex said. A JustGiving page has been launched to help alleviate any financial worries for the family during this difficult time, and to give Viorel the send off he deserves. Created by his wife Veronica, it reads: "Viorel Ciucu was a loving husband and father, he was also a friend to many and a cherished work colleague. "The unexpected loss of Viorel has shocked and saddened everyone who knew him especially us, his family. "This page has been set up to help raise much-needed funds that will be used to support our family in the short-term whilst we come to terms with our loss, make funeral arrangements, and plan for life thereafter without Viorel. "All and any donations are gratefully received and will be used responsibly in our time of need. With heartfelt thanks from Veronica, Cristian, Marian and Jasmina Ciucu." Join Glasgow Live's WhatsApp community here[7] and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash to come forward and assist with their enquires into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Sergeant Ross Allison said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died at this very difficult time. Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash and who has not already spoken to officers to get in touch. “I would also appeal for anyone who was driving in the area and who may have dash-cam footage that could assist to contact us.” Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 1190 of 18 July, 2024. Support the fundraiser for Viorel's family here[8]. Sign up to our daily Glasgow Live newsletter here[9] to receive news and features direct to your inbox
Viorel (front) pictured with his wife Veronica (middle row), children and friends. (Image: Supplied)
Officers have launched a probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident. (Image: Danny McStay)
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