Celebrations over Liverpool FC’s 20th English top-flight title took a horrifying turn on Monday evening (local time) when a car drove into a crowd of fans during the club’s open-top bus parade, leaving 47 people injured, including four children. The incident occurred on Water Street in Liverpool’s city centre, near the end of the 10-mile-long parade route, according to The New York Times.
Of the 47 injured, 27 were hospitalised, with two—one of them a child—reported to be in serious condition. The remaining 20 were treated at the scene. A paramedic on a bicycle was also struck but did not sustain serious injuries. Four individuals, including a child, were temporarily trapped beneath the vehicle before being rescued.
Emergency services received reports of a vehicle ramming into pedestrians around 6 PM. Merseyside Police confirmed the arrest of a 53-year-old local man believed to be the driver. Officials have stated that the incident is considered isolated, with no additional suspects being sought. Authorities also confirmed that it is not being treated as a terrorist attack.
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims addressed the media, urging calm while thanking the public and emergency responders for their swift action.
Liverpool FC issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident… We will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities.”
NBA icon and Liverpool FC stakeholder LeBron James also expressed his shock, posting: “OMG!!!! WTH. My deepest thoughts and prayers goes out to everyone affected that attended LFC Premier League trophy parade today! Such a senseless act!”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the event, calling the scenes “appalling” and commending emergency services for their swift response. “I’m being kept updated on developments and ask that we give the police the space they need to investigate,” he said on X.
The tragedy cast a dark shadow over what had been a day of historic celebration. Liverpool FC had clinched their second Premier League title, and the first under new manager Arne Slot, who succeeded Jürgen Klopp in 2024.
Reflecting on the magnitude of the victory before the tragedy struck, Slot told the Premier League: “This is by far the number one — it’s beyond what you can expect, what you can dream of… You can hardly believe there are [still] more citizens of Liverpool [for us to see later on the route]. All through the route there’s been so, so many people — it’s beyond my dreams.”
Authorities continue to investigate the cause and circumstances surrounding the crash as the city reels from the aftermath of what was meant to be a jubilant occasion.
