A festive celebration in Liverpool turned tragic on Monday evening when a van drove into a group of fans attending a parade to honor Liverpool Football Club’s recent Premier League championship.
Authorities reported that at least 27 people were hospitalized, including four children.
Two individuals, one child and one adult, sustained serious injuries, according to David Kitchin of the North West Ambulance Service. An additional 20 people were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
Police have arrested a 53-year-old white British man believed to be the driver of the vehicle.
The incident occurred in the city center and is currently being described by Merseyside Police as an isolated case.
Officials emphasized that it is not being investigated as an act of terrorism, and no other suspects are being sought.
Thousands of supporters had lined the streets earlier that day to cheer on their team during a victory parade that featured players aboard an open-top bus. Red flares and team flags were on full display as fans celebrated Liverpool’s 20th top-tier title.
However, the jubilant atmosphere was shattered when a gray minivan suddenly plowed into a section of the crowd. Video footage circulating online shows the vehicle moving into fans dressed in red before being surrounded and stopped by onlookers.
Emergency crews responded swiftly. Nick Searle, Chief Fire Officer for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, said firefighters rescued four individuals — three adults and one child — trapped beneath the van. First responders quickly closed off the area and erected a forensic tent where the crash occurred.
Eyewitnesses described the horrifying moment. One fan, Harry Rashid, who was attending the event with his wife and two daughters, recounted hearing a series of loud impacts as people were struck by the vehicle.
“It was terrifying. People were knocked down, some unconscious. The crowd tried to stop the car and broke its windows,” he told local media.
Videos showed injured fans being stretchered into ambulances, while others received aid on the roadside. Bystanders said the driver appeared to speed into the crowd from a side street, causing panic as people fled or attempted to intervene.
Merseyside Police said they had been working closely with parade organizers and had implemented a detailed traffic control plan in advance.
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims urged the public to avoid speculation and misinformation, noting that a full investigation into the cause of the incident is underway.
The crash occurred during a citywide celebration that coincided with a public holiday in the UK. The 10-mile parade route had drawn large crowds eager to honor their team’s achievement.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the incident, describing it as “deeply distressing,” and thanked emergency services for their quick and professional response.
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