Celebratory Liverpool fans face collision with detained motorist following vehicle crash incident
LIVERPOOL - A 53-year-old man driving a minivan collided with a crowd celebrating Liverpool's Premier League title win on Monday, leaving at least 45 people injured and triggering a speedy police response.
The incident transpired amid a city-wide parade, as fans enthusiastically welcomed their heroes, who’d claimed the title this season for a record-tying 20th time. Liverpool had previously won the league in 2020, but a public celebration was denied owing to pandemic restrictions at the time.
Harry Rashid, a witness, recounted the harrowing scene, stating that the vehicle initially hit several pedestrians, subsequently stopping. As bystanders approached the vehicle, it resumed its progress, running over more people.
Rashid described the incident as deliberate and expressed his disbelief and shock, mentioning that his daughter and other innocent bystanders were among those injured.
Police arrested the driver, but no further details have been released concerning his intentions. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been briefed on the incident and conveyed his sympathies to the affected individuals.
The Liverpool football club expressed its condolences, stating its thoughts were with those involved in the incident. The Premier League echoed the sentiment, hoping for a prompt recovery for all those affected.
Numerous emergency services were dispatched to the scene, including an air ambulance, in response to reports of multiple individuals being hit by the vehicle.
As the parade progressed, Liverpool’s players were carried aloft on two buses displaying the phrase "Ours Again." Fans lined the streets, braving wet weather and scaling traffic lights to catch a glimpse of their victorious team. The hours-long procession was slowed by a ten-mile route, with police being present in great numbers to ensure safety.
Reflecting the city’s jubilant spirit, fireworks illuminated the skies above the Royal Liver Building as the parade drew to a close.
Associated Press reporters Danica Kirka and Jill Lawless contributed to this report.
- In California, a similar scene unfolded in a sports-themed celebration, as a car sped through a crowd of football fans cheering for a European league team, causing numerous injuries and inciting a swift police response, reminiscent of the incident in Liverpool.
- Owing to the city's current enthusiasm for crime and justice news, local authorities are strengthening their patrols and security measures to prevent any such incidents during General-News events, like parades and rallies.
- As California prepares for the upcoming football season, local officials are advocating for stricter safety regulations to protect fans and players, following the recent devastating events in both California and Liverpool, particularly regarding sports-related crashes.
- Meanwhile, in Europe, representatives of the Premier League and other European leagues have expressed their solidarity with Liverpool, sending messages of support and mourning the loss of joyous football celebration due to the unfortunate incident, promising to take action to prevent such calamities in future celebrations.
