Liverpool’s joyous Premier League victory parade turned to tragedy on Monday evening when a car careened into a crowd of celebrating fans on Water Street, injuring nearly 50 people, including children.
The incident, which unfolded near the iconic Royal Liver Building, shattered the festive atmosphere as thousands had gathered to honor their team’s triumph.
Merseyside Police arrested a 53-year-old local man at the scene, emphasizing that the crash is not being treated as terrorism.
Emergency services rushed to the site around 6 pm, with the North West Ambulance Service reporting 27 hospitalizations, including two individuals—one a child—with severe injuries.
Twenty others received on-site treatment, and four children were among the wounded.
Witnesses described a nightmarish scene. Les Winsper, 55, recounted the chaos: “It was like something out of a horror film. The car hit someone, sending them flying, then plowed through the crowd.
People were screaming, kids crying.” His friend, Craig Steward, 52, added, “It lasted seconds, but it felt like forever. I’m still shaken.” Another onlooker, Sonny Singh, 40, saw an injured teenager limping away as panicked fans fled.
Footage captured a heavy police presence, ambulances, and a fire engine, with cordons blocking the debris-strewn street. St John Ambulance workers treated critical cases, some medics visibly shaken.
A nearby Italian restaurant became a makeshift triage center, aiding around 30 people in shock or pain.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident “appalling,” while Liverpool FC expressed solidarity, stating, “Our thoughts are with those affected. We’re supporting emergency services fully.”
Mayor Steve Rotheram echoed the sentiment, praising first responders and calling for unity.
By 9:30 pm, the scene was cleared, but the trauma lingered. As investigations continue, Liverpool mourns a celebration turned catastrophic, forever etched in the city’s memory.
Source: The Guardian
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