A terrifying moment unfolded in Liverpool city centre on Monday evening when a vehicle drove into a crowd gathered to celebrate the city’s Premier League victory.
The crash happened on Water Street around 6 PM, turning a joyful day into one of panic and confusion.
Dozens of fans, including children, had lined the streets to watch the team parade. In a sudden turn of events, a grey people carrier sped through the crowd, hitting multiple people along the way. Witnesses said it appeared the driver lost control or panicked when surrounded by onlookers. The vehicle struck fans on both sides of the street before it was brought to a stop.
Police arrested a 53-year-old man at the scene. He is believed to be the driver and is from the Merseyside area. The authorities have confirmed he is white and British. They also stated the crash is not being treated as a terror-related incident. Officers quickly moved in to detain him after people nearby attempted to stop the vehicle themselves.
The crash left 27 people needing hospital care. Four of them were children. Two people, including a child, suffered serious injuries. Emergency crews treated another 20 people on-site for minor wounds. Many witnesses described seeing people thrown into the air and hearing screams across the street.
The reason behind the crash is still under investigation. It is not yet clear whether the driver was impaired or acting intentionally. Some eyewitnesses reported that the car’s windows were smashed by bystanders just before it accelerated again, which may have caused the driver to panic.
Local and national leaders reacted swiftly to the incident. Officials have shared messages of support for the victims and praised the emergency services for their response. They also acknowledged the bravery of those in the crowd who tried to stop the vehicle and assist the injured.
The city of Liverpool, known for its strong sense of community, has come together in the aftermath. Authorities are urging the public to stay calm and allow the investigation to continue. As more information comes to light, questions remain about how such a tragic event could unfold during what was meant to be a day of celebration.