Tragedy Mars Liverpool’s Premier League Celebrations
TDT | Manama
Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com
Four people remain in critical condition following a horrific crash that saw a car drive into crowds celebrating Liverpool's Premier League title win in the city centre on Monday.
The incident occurred during what should have been a day of jubilation, as around one million fans lined the streets for the club’s open-top bus parade. But the festivities took a tragic turn when a grey people-carrier drove into a packed crowd on a road that had been closed to vehicles.
Videos shared on social media show the vehicle ploughing through supporters, some of whom were thrown into the air or dragged beneath the car. Police confirmed that 47 people were injured—20 treated at the scene and 27 taken to hospital, including children.
“Very, Very Ill”
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram told the BBC that four people remain “very, very ill in hospital.”
“We’re hoping, of course, that they pull through,” he said.
Emergency services were seen carrying victims on stretchers and in their arms to ambulances. The car eventually came to a stop, but not before chaos had erupted. Furious bystanders attempted to reach the driver, smashing the vehicle’s windows before police intervened.
Police: Not Terror-Related
Merseyside Police said the incident appeared to be isolated and not terror-related. A 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area was arrested at the scene.
Former police officers and local leaders praised the force for acting swiftly to identify the suspect, with Mayor Rotheram saying early transparency helped avoid a dangerous vacuum of misinformation.
“We know there are elements online that will try to inflame these situations with speculation,” he said.
The force’s approach comes in the wake of unrest in Southport last year, when social media-fuelled rumours following the murder of three young girls triggered riots.
A Day That Should Have Been Joyous
The crash occurred as the parade was winding down late on Monday. The Spring Bank Holiday brought crowds out in force to see Liverpool lift the Premier League trophy for the first time in front of fans since their behind-closed-doors triumph in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer offered his condolences and praised the emergency services, saying: “Everyone, especially children, should be able to celebrate their heroes without this horror.”
What Happens Next?
As investigations continue into the circumstances of the crash, the city is left shaken by an event that has turned celebration into tragedy.
For now, the focus remains on those injured and their recovery, as the footballing community in Liverpool and beyond comes together in support.
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