On May 26, 2025, a tragic incident marred Liverpool Football Club’s Premier League victory parade when a car ploughed into a crowd of fans on Water Street, near the Liver Building, around 6:00 PM. The collision injured 47 people, with 27 requiring hospitalization, including four children, and two individuals—one adult and one child—sustaining serious injuries. The event has left the city reeling, transforming a day of celebration into one of shock and grief.
The parade, attended by an estimated 800,000 supporters, celebrated Liverpool FC’s record-tying 20th Premier League title. Fans lined the 10-mile route to cheer the open-top bus carrying players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. However, as the festivities wound down, a grey people carrier, driven by a 53-year-old white British man from Liverpool, collided with pedestrians. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with the car initially striking victims, stopping briefly as bystanders smashed its windows, then accelerating again, hitting more people. Harry Rashid, a parade-goer, recounted to the Associated Press, “It was horrible. You could hear the bumps as he was going over people. My daughter started screaming.”
Merseyside Police detained the driver at the scene and are conducting extensive inquiries to determine the circumstances, emphasizing that the incident is not being treated as terrorism. Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims called it a “horrific event,” thanking bystanders who assisted the injured. The North West Ambulance Service declared a major incident, treating 20 people at the scene for minor injuries and transporting 27 to hospitals, including Royal Liverpool, Alder Hey, and Aintree. Four people, including a child, were freed from under the vehicle by Merseyside Fire and Rescue.
Eyewitnesses described a frantic atmosphere. Peter Jones, 44, told the BBC, “We heard frantic beeping, then a car flew past, and people were chasing it. It drove into people, and we saw half a dozen injured.” Another witness, Les Winsper, said the first victim was thrown “about 20 feet” in the air, adding, “It was the worst thing I’ve seen in my life.” Social media footage showed emergency services rushing to aid victims, with cordons and ambulances flooding Water Street. Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson urged the public not to share distressing videos online.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the scenes “appalling,” thanking emergency services and asking for calm as investigations continue. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the incident as “truly shocking and horrendous.” Liverpool FC issued a statement: “Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this serious incident. We are in direct contact with Merseyside Police and will continue to offer full support.” Rival club Everton also expressed solidarity.
The investigation, supported by the North West counter-terrorism unit as a precaution, is ongoing.
Merseyside Police have asked for witnesses to contact them and avoid speculation. The incident has cast a dark shadow over Liverpool’s celebrations, with Mayor Steve Rotheram noting, “This is a difficult day, but we stand together.” As the city supports the victims, authorities are working to ensure justice and prevent future tragedies.
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