Dozens Injured After Car Rams Into Crowd During Liverpool FC Victory Parade

A celebratory day turned tragic in Liverpool, England, when a car drove into a crowd of Liverpool FC fans gathered for the team’s long-awaited victory parade, leaving 47 people injured—some critically.

The incident occurred around 6:00 p.m. local time on May 26 on Water Street in the city’s center, just blocks from the main parade route. A 53-year-old man, identified as a local resident, was arrested at the scene and is believed to be the driver. Authorities have ruled out terrorism and are treating the event as an isolated incident.

A Timeline of the Tragedy

2:30 p.m. – The day began in high spirits as Liverpool FC kicked off a massive victory parade in an open-top bus, celebrating their latest Premier League title. The celebration drew hundreds of thousands of fans from across the region, finally giving them the chance to celebrate a title that was originally won during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.

5:48 p.m. – The team continued down The Strand, waving to crowds as flares lit up the streets and music blasted from the bus. DJ Calvin Harris played his hit “One Kiss” while fans in red lined the roads to catch a glimpse of their heroes.

6:00 p.m. – Chaos erupted just minutes later. A car was seen honking aggressively before suddenly accelerating into a packed group of fans on Water Street. Witnesses described scenes of panic as the vehicle struck multiple people before coming to a stop. Police arrived swiftly and arrested the driver at the scene.

6:11 p.m. – Firefighters arrived to help free four people—including a child—who had been trapped under the car. Emergency crews quickly lifted the vehicle and coordinated with medics to treat the injured.

6:54 p.m. – Merseyside Police issued a statement confirming a serious traffic collision involving multiple pedestrians, and that one man was in custody.

7:33 p.m. – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident “appalling,” adding, “Everyone, especially children, should be able to celebrate their heroes without this horror.” He also praised emergency responders for their quick actions.

8:05 p.m. – Liverpool FC released its own statement, saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident,” and pledged support for the emergency services.

10:55 p.m. – At a press conference, Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims confirmed the suspect was the driver and emphasized the importance of avoiding speculation. “We believe this was an isolated incident. There is no indication of terrorism, and we are not looking for any other individuals in connection,” she said.

Dozens Treated, Including Children

Emergency medical officials confirmed that 27 people were transported to local hospitals, including four children. Two patients, including one child, were seriously injured. An additional 20 people were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

A paramedic on a bicycle was also struck by the vehicle but escaped serious harm.

Witnesses Describe Horrifying Moments

Eyewitnesses say the driver showed no signs of slowing down as he veered into the crowd.

“He just slammed his foot down,” one witness told The Guardian. “He hit someone and they flew into the air. Then he just kept going.”

Another bystander said she only survived because she looked up just in time to jump out of the way. “He was speeding toward people. It looked intentional,” said Mike Maddra, who witnessed the incident while walking with friends.

Community Response

The tragedy shocked a city known for its close-knit community and passionate soccer culture. Leaders at every level, from the mayor to the prime minister, echoed their support for the victims and praised emergency responders for their swift action.

“The city has a long and proud history of coming together through difficult times,” said Prime Minister Starmer. “Liverpool stands together—and the whole country stands with Liverpool.”