- Over 50 injured after a minivan struck Liverpool fans celebrating the Premier League title; police say the driver acted alone and no terrorism is suspected. The Liverpool Parade crash leaves many questioning safety measures.
- Emergency crews treated dozens, including children, with several taken to hospital for serious injuries. In the aftermath of the Liverpool Parade crash, authorities are focusing on casualty care.
- Authorities continue to investigate and urge the public to avoid spreading rumors online while offering support to the victims. The investigation into the Liverpool Parade crash leaves many looking for answers.
A 53-year-old man from Britain drove a gray minivan into a large crowd of Liverpool soccer fans on Monday, causing the Liverpool Parade crash that leaves the city in mourning. The fans were celebrating Liverpool’s Premier League win. More than 45 people got hurt during the chaos. The mood quickly changed from joyful cheering to terror and panic. Police said the driver acted alone. They do not believe this was a terrorist attack.
Many People Injured, Including Several Children, After Van Hits Crowd
Emergency crews rushed to the scene to help the injured. Ambulances took 27 people to nearby hospitals. Two of them suffered serious injuries. Another 20 people received treatment on site for minor wounds, according to Dave Kitchin from the North West Ambulance Service. Among the injured were at least four children. Some victims got trapped under the van. Firefighters had to lift the vehicle to rescue them. A paramedic riding a bicycle got hit by the van but did not get hurt.
Liam Robinson, the leader of Liverpool’s City Council, spoke at a late-night news conference. He said the crash cast a “very dark shadow” over the city’s celebrations. The day was meant to bring happiness and pride to Liverpool. Instead, it ended in fear and confusion.
Minivan Speeds Into Parade Crowd, Witnesses Describe Horrific Scene
The incident happened just as the parade was ending. A gray minivan suddenly turned onto the parade route. It smashed into fans wearing red Liverpool scarves and jerseys. Videos on social media showed the van hit a man, tossing him into the air. Then, the vehicle plowed through a larger group of people. It pushed them along the street until it finally stopped. Harry Rashid, who watched with his wife and two daughters, said the van moved very fast. He heard people being thrown from the car’s hood. After the crowd attacked the stopped van and broke its windows, the driver sped off again. He hit more fans as he kept going. Rashid said the attack looked deliberate. His daughter screamed while people lay on the ground. He said everyone was just innocent fans enjoying the parade.
Huge Crowd Gathers to Celebrate Liverpool’s Record-Tying Premier League Win
Hundreds of thousands of people filled the streets to celebrate Liverpool’s 20th Premier League title. This win tied a record in English soccer. Peter Jones traveled from the Isle of Man to watch the parade. He heard a frantic car engine and saw people chasing the van. Windows shattered as the crowd tried to stop the vehicle. The van then hit several people before police and medics rushed in to help the injured.
Police Investigate Crash and Urge Public to Avoid Rumors Online
Authorities launched a full investigation to find out what caused the crash. Police urged the public not to share unconfirmed reports or disturbing videos on social media. They identified the suspect as white. This description aims to prevent false information and rumors from spreading. Last summer, a false story about an attacker’s background caused riots in England and Northern Ireland. Police want to avoid similar misinformation this time.
Prime Minister Condemns Attack and Praises Rescuers’ Bravery
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the event “appalling.” He praised the bravery of the rescuers who helped the injured. Starmer said everyone, especially children, should be able to celebrate their heroes safely. He reminded people that Liverpool has a strong tradition of coming together during tough times. He said the city and the whole country stand united with Liverpool.
Liverpool’s History of Tragedy Casts Shadow Over Celebration
Liverpool’s joyful parade reminds many of a tragic event 36 years ago. In 1989, 97 Liverpool fans died in a stadium crush during a match at Hillsborough. The disaster worsened due to police mistakes and attempts to cover up the cause. Last time Liverpool won the league in 2020, fans could not celebrate publicly because of COVID-19 restrictions.
Fans Brave Rain and Red Smoke to Celebrate Champions on Long Parade Route
Despite rain and cold weather, fans lined the streets waving flags. Some climbed traffic lights for a better view of the players. Liverpool’s team rode on two buses with “Ours Again” written on them. The parade lasted for hours. Police maintained a heavy presence to keep the crowd safe. Red smoke filled the air, and fireworks exploded from the Royal Liver Building in the city center.
Liverpool FC and Premier League Express Sympathy and Support to Victims
Liverpool Football Club quickly released a statement. They sent thoughts and prayers to those affected by the Liverpool Parade crash. The Premier League also expressed shock at the “appalling events in Liverpool.” Both organizations emphasized their support for the city and the fans during this difficult time.