Joy Turns to Chaos: Car Ploughs Into Crowd During Liverpool FC Victory Parade, Injuring 47 Including Children

What began as a jubilant celebration of Liverpool FC’s Premier League title ended in scenes of horror on Sunday evening, as a car rammed into a densely packed crowd of fans gathered for the club’s victory parade. The shocking incident, which occurred just minutes after the team bus passed a major viewing point on Water Street, left 47 people injured — including four children.

A Day of Celebration

Liverpool was awash in red on Sunday as tens of thousands of fans flooded the city streets to honor their football heroes. Banners, scarves, and the sounds of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” filled the air as the team’s open-top bus made its way through a planned route that wound through the heart of the city. The mood was electric — families with young children, long-time supporters, and tourists alike came together to celebrate Liverpool’s first league title in three years.

But at around 6:12 PM local time, that celebration turned into confusion and then into panic.

The Incident

According to eyewitness accounts and CCTV footage reviewed by authorities, a grey Ford Galaxy suddenly accelerated along Water Street, where fans had been gathered behind barriers. Without warning, the vehicle mounted the curb and ploughed into the crowd.

“It was chaos — people were screaming, running, trying to pull each other to safety,” said Angela Morris, a local resident who had been watching the parade with her two nephews. “One minute, we were cheering the players, and the next, we were just trying to make sure everyone was still alive.”

Multiple reports confirm that the vehicle struck several people before coming to a stop. Some bystanders attempted to approach the vehicle, with a few even smashing its windows in an attempt to either stop the driver or help those underneath.

Emergency services were on the scene within minutes. The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) confirmed that 27 people were taken to hospital, with injuries ranging from broken bones to head trauma. Among the injured were four children, one of whom is believed to be in critical condition. Another 20 people received treatment on-site for minor injuries, including cuts and bruises.

Emergency Response

Merseyside Police arrested the driver at the scene. He has been identified as a 53-year-old man from the Liverpool area. Authorities have not yet released his name but confirmed that he is being held on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and dangerous driving.

“We are treating this as an isolated incident,” said Chief Superintendent Robyn Kent at a press conference held late Sunday night. “There is no indication of terrorist activity or organized intent. That said, a full investigation is underway.”

Fire crews worked quickly to extricate individuals who had become trapped under the vehicle, including a child who was pinned near a lamp post. Video footage shows rescuers using jacks and crowbars to lift the car off the victims while paramedics administered emergency care on the street.

Investigation and Motive

Preliminary findings suggest the driver may have entered the restricted area by following an ambulance through a temporary access gate. While early speculation pointed to possible mental health issues, investigators are also examining whether the driver had a history of traffic violations or confrontations with fans.

A police spokesperson stated: “We are appealing to anyone who may have captured the incident on video or witnessed events leading up to the crash to come forward.”

Voices from the Ground

The emotional toll of the incident was evident in interviews with witnesses and those affected.

“I was holding my son’s hand when we heard the engine rev,” said Kevin Donnelly, a father who had brought his 8-year-old son to see the parade. “I just turned and pushed him out of the way — if I had waited another second, he would’ve been hit.”

Liverpool FC issued a statement late Sunday:
“We are devastated by the events that occurred during today’s parade. Our thoughts are with those injured and their families. We extend our gratitude to the emergency services for their courage and swift response.”

Several Liverpool players, including captain Virgil van Dijk and goalkeeper Alisson Becker, posted messages of support on social media, urging fans to stay safe and strong.

Community Response

In the hours following the incident, local community centres opened their doors to support those affected. The Liverpool Community Trust established a temporary relief centre at St. George’s Hall, offering counseling services, emergency housing, and assistance with hospital logistics for families of the injured.

Councillor Elaine Dunne, chair of the city’s public safety committee, said:
“This tragedy has shaken us, but it also shows the strength and unity of our community. We will stand together in recovery just as we stood together in celebration.”

A crowdfunding campaign launched by a local business owner to help victims’ families raised over £50,000 within the first 24 hours.

A City in Shock, A City United

What should have been a moment of pure joy for the people of Liverpool has instead become a reminder of how quickly celebration can turn to tragedy. Yet amid the heartbreak, the city has once again demonstrated its resilience — through the compassion of its people, the heroism of first responders, and the unity of a football family that extends far beyond Anfield.

As investigations continue and the community begins to heal, the overwhelming sentiment remains clear: Liverpool will never walk alone.