Liverpool Champions Parade collides with vehicle incident - multiple victims hurt
In the evening of Monday, a car careened into a throng of Liverpool Football Club supporters during their championship parade, leaving the extent of injuries uncertain.
According to official reports, the vehicle crashed into the crowd around 6 PM local time (7 PM BST) on Water Street, with thousands of fans lining the streets of Liverpool at the time. The driver, a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area, was apprehended by authorities.
While The Mirror newspaper, citing eyewitnesses, claims the driver intentionally rammed the crowd, the police have not yet confirmed this allegation. The motive behind the incident remains uncertain, with possible explanations ranging from deliberate attack to a medical emergency.
The Telegraph reported that, in addition to Merseyside Police investigating the case, an anti-terror unit is also involved.
Bystanders filmed a dark van plowing into the crowd, prompting irate fans to confront the driver. footage shows fans banging on the vehicle and other objects, with the driver accelerating again, striking several more individuals. When the car came to a stop, several police officers surrounded it.
Les Winsper, a 55-year-old eyewitness, recounted the event to The Telegraph, stating, "It appeared he was trying to drive down the street and hit someone. The crowd tried to open the driver's and passenger's doors. I believe he panicked and drove through the crowd. People were screaming, children were crying. It was a heart-wrenching scene."
North West Ambulance Service stated, "We are assessing the situation and collaborating with other emergency services to provide prompt medical care to those in need."
Eyewitness Natasha Rinaldi told Sky News, "It was deafening, people sounded desperate. We looked out the window and saw the car had run over people. People rushed towards the car and attempted to enter it. The police were working diligently to prevent them."
Chelsea Yuen, celebrating the title with a friend, said, "We heard screams, and when we looked up, a car was hurtling towards us. My friend Francesca and I jumped out of the way and pulled her little daughter with us."
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper are reportedly being updated on the latest developments by British news agencies and Sky News. Starmer expressed his concern in a statement, stating, "The events in Liverpool are harrowing. My thoughts are with those injured or affected."
Liverpool FC secured the title on the 34th matchday (5-1 against Tottenham) and commemorated their 20th league title in the city's history with their fans on Monday. The team posted on their official social media accounts, "We are in direct contact with the police regarding the incident that occurred at the end of the trophy parade on Water Street. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this grave incident. We will continue to support the emergency services and authorities."
Based on current statements from officials, there is no evidence to suggest that the incident was a deliberate attack or an act of terrorism. The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the circumstances surrounding the collision. The public is encouraged not to speculate about motives while the investigation is ongoing.
- The car accident involving Liverpool Football Club supporters during the championship parade has been classified as general news and is being investigated under crime and justice.
- The incident, which occurred on Water Street and involved a van, has been reported in various European leagues and sports-related media, with specific focus on football (soccer) due to the local team, Liverpool FC, being the center of attention.
- The perpetrator of the crash, a 53-year-old white British man, is currently under police custody, and the exact motive behind the incident remains unclear, with speculations ranging from a deliberate attack to a medical emergency.
- If found to be an intentional act, the incident may be classified as a car-accident case with potential ties to crime and justice, depending on the findings of the ongoing investigation by Merseyside Police and the anti-terror unit.
