London, Dec 23 (IANS): Investigation was launched Tuesday to determine the cause of a fatal lorry crash in Scotland's Glasgow, in which six people were killed, media reported.

Eight people were also injured Monday as the apparently out-of-control lorry crashed into pedestrians in the busy city centre, before crashing into a hotel in George Square, BBC reported.

The first casualty is believed to be a pedestrian struck by the lorry close to the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) several hundred yards from where it eventually came to a standstill.

The lorry, operated by the city council, flattened street signs as it travelled along Queen Street and the side of George Square.

It finally crashed into the Millennium Hotel, beside the entrance to Queen Street station.

One eyewitness said that the lorry driver appeared to have "slumped over his wheel".

Anjan Luthra, who works nearby and was one of the first people on the scene, said he saw "three or four bodies" and other people running away from the lorry.

"I've never seen anything like that in my life, it was like a war scene. It literally was," Luthra said.

Dozens of floral tributes have been placed near the scene and prayers are due to be held at a church gathering.

Police Scotland said there appeared to be nothing "sinister" about the crash.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said flags would fly at half-mast on government buildings.

She called the crash "absolutely heartbreaking", while city council leader Gordon Matheson described it as a "terrible tragedy".

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected," he said.

Archbishop Philip Tartaglia will say mass for the victims at St Andrew's Cathedral in Glasgow Wednesday.