Man Arrested After Liverpool Crash Injures Dozens
TDT | Manama
A joyous day in Liverpool turned to chaos on Monday evening when a grey Ford Galaxy crashed into a crowd of football fans celebrating Liverpool FC's Premier League title, injuring more than 50 people. Merseyside Police have arrested a 53-year-old man from West Derby, Liverpool, on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving, and driving while unfit through drugs. The incident, which occurred on Water Street just after 6:00 PM, has cast a shadow over what should have been a rejoiceful moment for the city.
A Celebration Turned Tragic
The streets of Liverpool were alive with an estimated one million fans, gathered for a 10-mile victory parade to mark the club's first Premier League title since 2020. With the Spring Bank Holiday freeing up schedules, supporters lined the route to cheer their team's open-top bus procession. But as the event wound down, disaster struck when the car, believed to have followed an ambulance through a temporarily lifted roadblock, careered into the crowd, sending several people into the air and trapping four, including a child, beneath its wheels.
Injuries and Emergency Response
Emergency services acted swiftly, with 50 people treated for injuries, including four children. Eleven victims remain in hospital, all in stable condition and reportedly recovering well, according to Deputy Chief Constable Jenny Sims. Firefighters worked to free those trapped under the vehicle, while ambulances and an air ambulance rushed to the scene. Witnesses described harrowing scenes, with one fan recalling how the driver appeared to panic as the crowd began banging on the car, leading to a chaotic sequence of reversing and accelerating.
Police Rule Out Terrorism
Merseyside Police have stated the incident is not being treated as terrorism and believe the driver acted alone. The force was quick to release details of the suspect—a 53-year-old white British man from Liverpool—to counter social media speculation about the incident's nature. Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram praised the police's transparency, noting lessons learned from last year's Southport riots, where online misinformation fuelled unrest. 'We needed to get the story out quickly,' Rotheram said, highlighting the dangers of unchecked speculation.
Outpouring of Support
The incident has drawn heartfelt responses from across the football world and beyond. King Charles III, currently in Canada, expressed his shock and sadness, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared that 'the whole country stands with Liverpool.' Princess Anne visited the Royal Liverpool University Hospital to meet medics and victims, and Liverpool FC issued a statement offering support to those affected. Former manager Jürgen Klopp, who attended the parade, called it 'one of the greatest days' marred by tragedy, while current captain Virgil van Dijk prayed for the injured.
Investigation Underway
As Water Street remains cordoned off, Merseyside Police are reviewing CCTV footage to trace the car's movements and establish the full circumstances. The force has urged the public not to share distressing videos online, with forensic teams continuing to gather evidence amid tributes of flowers, cards, and toys laid near the scene. With the suspect in custody until at least Wednesday afternoon, questions linger about how the vehicle breached the parade's security measures, a point Home Secretary Yvette Cooper declined to address pending the ongoing investigation.
A City in Reflection
Liverpool, a city synonymous with football passion, now grapples with the aftermath of this devastating incident. As the club cancels further title celebrations, the focus remains on supporting the victims and their families. For now, the investigation continues, but the scars of a day that began with jubilation will linger for those caught in its tragic turn.
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