Dozens Injured as Car Rams into Crowd During Liverpool FC Trophy Parade
A joyous celebration turned tragic on Monday evening in Liverpool when a vehicle plowed into a crowd of football fans attending Liverpool FC’s Premier League trophy parade in the city centre, leaving dozens injured.
Police Response and Arrest
Merseyside Police confirmed that a 53-year-old man from Liverpool was arrested at the scene, believed to be the driver of the vehicle involved. Authorities have stated that the incident is not being treated as terrorism-related, and investigations are ongoing.
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims urged the public to avoid speculation as law enforcement officials continue to assess the situation.
Emergency Services and Casualties
Emergency services responded promptly. According to David Kitchin of the North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, 27 people were taken to hospital, including four children. Among the injured, a child and an adult sustained serious injuries.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle revealed that four individuals were trapped under the vehicle and had to be rescued by firefighters. Additionally, 20 others received on-site treatment for minor injuries.
Eyewitness Accounts and Scene Description
The incident occurred shortly after 6:00 p.m., as a grey people carrier suddenly surged into the crowd gathered for Liverpool FC’s 20th top-flight league title celebration. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and fear.
One attendee, Harry Rashid, who was present with his family, said the car “just rammed into all the people at the side of us… It was extremely fast.” He recounted hearing “the pop, pop, pop” of bodies hitting the car and seeing people rush to help the injured, even smashing the vehicle’s windows in a bid to rescue those inside.
Public and Official Reactions
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the incident as “appalling,” expressing sympathy for those injured and commending emergency services for their rapid response.
Footage from the scene showed medics treating the wounded and carrying victims on stretchers to waiting ambulances. The area was quickly cordoned off, and a police tent was erected at the crash site.
Liverpool FC and Football Community Respond
Liverpool Football Club issued a heartfelt statement expressing condolences and support for those affected, pledging cooperation with emergency services. Everton FC and the Premier League also offered their sympathies via social media platforms.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Notice
The North West Ambulance Service later confirmed that the scene had been cleared. Meanwhile, NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool urged the public to refrain from contacting hospital switchboards, assuring that next of kin would be informed directly.
