What was meant to be a day of pure joy for Liverpool fans ended in terror and confusion.
The city’s streets, packed with supporters eager to celebrate their team’s historic 20th league title, suddenly became the scene of a horrifying incident when a car crashed into the crowd.
The joyful atmosphere shattered just after 6pm on Water Street, right in the heart of Liverpool city centre.
Panic on the Streets: The Incident Unfolds
Thousands had gathered for the Premier League trophy parade, excited and cheering as their heroes passed by on an open-top bus.
But then, a vehicle suddenly sped into the throng, honking aggressively as it forced its way through the masses.
Witnesses described the terrifying moments when the car swerved into people, causing chaos and injury.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene immediately, with police, ambulances, and fire engines arriving within minutes.
The area quickly became cordoned off as first responders tended to the wounded and worked to control the frantic crowd.
Eyewitness Accounts: Shock and Fear
Fans and onlookers gave harrowing accounts of the chaos.
Frankie, a 24-year-old who survived the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, was struck and knocked down by the car.
“It’s all a blur,” he said.
“I’ve got cuts and bruises, but others were more badly hurt.”
Patrick Milligan, 25, recalled the sudden shift from celebration to terror.
“It was like a tsunami hitting the crowd just minutes after the parade finished. People were screaming, and we feared for our families’ safety.”
His elderly grandmother was among those they worried about.
Others spoke of the car’s speed and the panic it caused. Sonny Singh, there with his two young sons, described seeing a bleeding teenager and dozens of people running past, crying and shouting.
The Driver and The Response
Police confirmed that a 53-year-old man from the Liverpool area was detained at the scene.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the event “appalling” and praised the rapid police response.
People at the scene described how the driver initially stalled after crashing into the crowd but then accelerated again, ploughing through more people despite attempts by bystanders to stop him.
The car’s back window was smashed, and those chasing it tried desperately to prevent further harm.
Families and Fans in Shock
Many families were caught in the panic.
Harry Rashid, attending with his wife and daughters, described how the vehicle emerged beside a parked ambulance before speeding down the narrow street, hitting people indiscriminately.
“It was horrible — you could hear people being knocked down,” he said.
“My daughter started screaming. There were people lying on the ground, unconscious. It was just innocent fans celebrating who were caught in this nightmare.”
Chelsea Yuen, another witness, told how the crowd was “jam-packed like sardines” before the car came barreling through, forcing people to jump out of the way to avoid disaster.
Emergency Services and Ongoing Support
With ambulances and police vans struggling to navigate the packed streets, emergency responders worked tirelessly to assist those injured.
Armed police units also arrived quickly, taking control of the chaotic scene.
Liverpool Football Club expressed its support for the emergency teams and those affected.
The club assured fans it was working closely with Merseyside Police and sent thoughts and prayers to victims.
Everton Football Club also shared condolences on social media, showing solidarity within the city.
A Day Marred by Tragedy Amid Celebration
The parade had started at 2pm, following a well-known 10-mile route through the city, lined with cheering fans waving flags and celebrating in the rain.
The open-top bus carrying Liverpool’s stars was decked out with words like “champions” and images of the Premier League trophy.
Despite restrictions on flares and warnings to avoid driving near the event, thousands had turned out to honor their team.
But the joyous mood was abruptly overshadowed by the shocking events on Water Street.
What Lies Ahead?
Authorities continue to investigate the incident while emergency services support those affected.
The city remains in shock as it processes what happened on a day meant for celebration.
For Liverpool’s fans, the memory of their historic title win will now forever be linked with the hope for healing and the resilience of their community after a deeply unsettling event.