England : Car rams into gathering of football fans in Liverpool, 50 Injured

What was meant to be a day of jubilation for Liverpool FC fans turned into chaos and horror on Monday, as a car crashed into a crowd gathered for the team’s Premier League title parade, injuring at least 50 people. The incident occurred in Liverpool city centre just minutes after the open-top bus carrying the players had passed, casting a tragic shadow over a day that had started with joy and celebration.

Police confirmed that a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area has been arrested in connection with the incident. Authorities said they are not treating the case as terrorism-related and believe it to be an isolated act. “We are not currently looking for anyone else,” said temporary Deputy Chief Constable Jenny Sims during a press briefing, seeking to calm fears among the public.

Of the 50 injured, 27 were transported to local hospitals, including four children. One child and one adult are reported to be in serious condition. Emergency responders worked tirelessly at the scene, with firefighters rescuing four individuals who were trapped beneath the vehicle. Meanwhile, twenty others received treatment at the scene for minor injuries and shock.

Horrific videos circulating on social media showed the car crashing into unsuspecting fans, sending several people flying into the air. The terrifying moments were captured by witnesses who had gathered along the parade route. In the immediate aftermath, angry fans attempted to confront the driver, smashing the car windows before being stopped by police officers who quickly secured the area.

Chelsea, an eyewitness speaking to BBC Radio, described the panic and confusion: “With the commotion, that was the only reason we looked up, and thankfully, managed to jump out of the way in time.” The collision, she noted, came without warning as the driver made no effort to slow down.

Liverpool FC expressed their concern through a statement on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident.” The club also confirmed they are in contact with local authorities.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer also addressed the situation, calling the incident “appalling” and extending his support to those injured and their families. “My thoughts are with all those injured or affected,” he said in a statement on social media, noting that he is being kept informed of further developments.

The mood in Liverpool shifted dramatically after the incident. A Reuters photographer on the scene described emergency personnel rushing to assist victims, some of whom were being carried on stretchers. Debris and personal belongings were scattered across the street, a grim reminder of the tragedy that unfolded in seconds.

Reports suggest there was earlier disarray in the city centre, with overcrowding and confusion due to inadequate signage about street closures. The lack of clear information reportedly led to frustration among spectators even before the incident occurred.

The police’s unusually swift identification of the suspect is being viewed as an effort to prevent the kind of misinformation that has previously incited unrest. Dal Babu, a former chief superintendent with London’s Metropolitan Police, suggested that authorities moved quickly to quell any speculation online linking the incident to terrorism.

Liverpool had last won the Premier League during the COVID-19 pandemic, when lockdowns prevented public celebrations. This year’s title win was supposed to be a long-awaited moment of unity and pride for the city. Instead, the tragic events have left a deep scar on what should have been a historic and joyous occasion.

As investigations continue and the community seeks answers, the focus remains on the victims—innocent fans who came together to celebrate their beloved team, only to be caught in a devastating and unexpected tragedy.