Liverpool Parade Turns Chaotic: Car Plows Through Crowd, Dozens Injured Including 1 Child
A joyous celebration in Liverpool turned into a scene of horror after a car drove into a crowd of football fans, injuring dozens during the Premier League victory parade. The incident unfolded just after 6 p.m. on Water Street, near the iconic Liver Building, as thousands gathered to celebrate Liverpool FC’s championship win.
Man Arrested After Driving Into Crowd
Merseyside Police confirmed the arrest of a 53-year-old man, identified as a white British male from the Liverpool area, believed to be the driver involved in the incident. At the spot, he was arrested.
Police reported, “We were alerted soon after 18:00 today, Monday 26 May, following accusations that a car had been in collision with several pedestrians on Water Street. The automobile stopped at the site, and a man was in custody.
Authorities have ruled out terrorism as a motive. They continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, but said there is currently no indication of political, religious, or ideological intent behind the act.
Dozens Injured, Including Children
Emergency services responded swiftly, with Merseyside Fire and Rescue, ambulance teams, and police flooding the area. The North West Ambulance Service confirmed 27 people were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Two of those — one of them a child — sustained serious injuries. An additional 20 individuals were treated at the scene for various injuries.
Fire chief Nick Searle reported that four people, including one child, were trapped under the vehicle and had to be rescued by emergency crews.
Terrifying Eyewitness Accounts
Social media’s shared footage presents a terrifying picture. Videos show the car weaving through the dense crowd before accelerating and striking pedestrians. After stopping, people are seen swarming the vehicle, with some smashing its windows in shock and anger.
Incident Overshadows Celebration
The tragedy took place near the Strand, only a short distance from where Liverpool FC had just paraded the Premier League trophy. Fans, young and old, had lined the streets to celebrate the club’s success. The incident occurred over a mile from the intended endpoint of the procession.
The celebration, which had begun in triumph, was abruptly halted. Liverpool FC confirmed that staff celebrations were postponed out of respect for those injured.
Nationwide Reaction
Leaders across the political spectrum expressed their shock and support. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer posted on X (previously Twitter) stating he was being kept “updated” on the matter. “Liverpool’s scenes are horrible; my sympathies are with all those injured or touched. I would like to thank the police and emergency services for their quick and continuous reaction to this horrific event.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called the situation “deeply worrying,” extending her sympathy to those impacted and gratitude to emergency responders.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this terrible incident,” Liverpool FC said in a statement honouring the victims and their families. We shall keep lending the local authorities and emergency services complete support.”
Everton FC and the Premier League also offered condolences and support.
Investigation Ongoing
Liverpool City Region’s Mayor Steve Rotherham called the day “an absolute celebration” that the horrible occurrence had “overshadowed”.. He urged the public to avoid speculation and allow police to complete their investigation.
Authorities are now reviewing CCTV footage and witness statements. No charges have been officially filed, and police have asked anyone with video evidence or information to come forward.
As Liverpool mourns what was meant to be a historic and joyful occasion, questions remain about how and why this tragic incident occurred.
Further updates will be provided as more details emerge.
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