What began as a day of joy turned tragic when a car plowed into a crowd celebrating Liverpool FC’s Premier League title on Monday, May 26. The shocking incident left nearly 50 people injured, including four children, turning the festive atmosphere into one of chaos and fear.
It happened just after 6 p.m. on Water Street, where thousands had gathered to cheer on the team’s latest triumph. Moments later, sirens cut through the celebrations.
Emergency services confirmed that 27 people were taken to the hospital. Two of them — one a child — are being treated for serious injuries.
The moment we’ve all been waiting for 🏆❤️ pic.twitter.com/hTRNrpGq8s
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 25, 2025
A 53-year-old man from the Liverpool area, believed to be behind the wheel, has been taken into custody. Authorities have said the crash is not being treated as a terrorist act.
Eyewitnesses were left shaken. “It just wasn’t stopping,” said Matt Cole, a BBC reporter who was at the parade with his daughter. “I managed to pull her out of the way — it missed us by inches.”
The vehicle, estimated to be moving at 20 to 30 mph, drove straight through the crowd. Onlookers described the horrifying moment it slammed into people. “It was horrendous,” said Harry Rashid, who was there with his family. “The sound of it — you could just hear bodies hitting the car.”
Journalist Dan Ogunshakin, also on the scene, said the car initially stopped in front of an ambulance before reversing suddenly and accelerating straight into the crowd. “People scattered like bowling pins,” he recalled. “The whole vibe shifted in seconds. It went from celebration to panic.”
Winners. pic.twitter.com/efh4xsqHj9
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 25, 2025
Others described the moment police and ambulances rushed in, trying to regain control of the situation. Mayor Steve Rotheram later told the BBC that the joy of the day had been “overshadowed” by what happened, urging everyone to stay calm while the investigation unfolds.
Another witness, Matthew O’Carroll, said he saw the car speed past a police van. “At first, I thought he was just trying to get out of the crowd — then I saw the smashed back window. That’s when I knew this wasn’t an accident.”
Authorities are still trying to piece together what motivated the driver. While speculation swirls, police are asking the public to hold back on drawing conclusions until the full picture is clear.
In the midst of the tragedy, emergency teams and everyday citizens alike were praised for their quick actions and bravery in helping those hurt.
4 children were among nearly 50 people injured after a car ploughed into a crowd of football supporters during Liverpool’s Premier League
The driver, a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area, was arrested at the scene#LiverpoolFC #liverpoolparad #liverpoolattack pic.twitter.com/QQhdCptLbL
— Kedar (@Kedar_speaks88) May 27, 2025
