Liverpool Victory Parade Turns to Horror: 65 Injured as Car Plows Through Celebrating Fans

The Moment Celebration Turned to Chaos

What started as Liverpool's most joyous day in recent memory quickly descended into horror on Monday evening, May 26, 2025. The city had been buzzing with excitement as an estimated one million fans gathered to celebrate Liverpool FC's Premier League triumph. The open-top bus carrying the team and staff had just completed its 10-mile victory route from Allerton Maze to The Strand in the city center, with supporters lining every street in red.

But just 10 minutes after the celebratory bus had passed through Water Street, the atmosphere changed dramatically. At approximately 6 PM BST, witnesses described seeing a grey Ford Galaxy arguing with pedestrians before the driver suddenly accelerated, plowing directly into a large group of celebrating fans. The vehicle didn't stop there - after people began smashing its windows, the driver accelerated again, ramming into even more people in what witnesses described as clearly intentional acts.

Jack Trotter, a 22-year-old fan who had traveled from Northern Ireland with his girlfriend Abbie Gallagher, found himself face-to-face with the approaching vehicle. He recalled the terrifying moment: 'I put my hands up and pleaded for him to stop, and he wasn't stopping. Then he clipped me.' His girlfriend was just feet ahead, screaming his name as the chaos unfolded around them.

Eyewitness Accounts Paint a Terrifying Picture

Multiple witnesses provided chilling accounts of the incident that shocked the football world. BBC reporter Matt Cole, who was present at the scene, described watching a car moving through the crowd that 'simply wasn't stopping.' He estimated the vehicle was traveling at more than 20 mph and noted that a group of men was pursuing it, attempting to bang on its side and throw objects at it.

Harry Rashid, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, recalled seeing the driver clearly before the incident: 'He looked emotional, agitated, his hands were moving about. He was trying to close the door of the car because people were trying to pull the door open.' Within seconds of people banging on the vehicle's windows, Rashid witnessed the driver put the car into gear again and drive straight through the people in front of him.

Another witness, Matthew from Runcorn, observed the car approaching from the top of Water Street, noting that while the vehicle was moving at a 'reasonable' speed, the driver was honking as he drove through the crowd. The contrast between the celebratory atmosphere and the sudden violence left many in shock, with some initially thinking it might be part of the parade festivities before the horrific reality set in.

The Devastating Human Cost

The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) reported that 47 people were initially confirmed injured, though later reports suggested the number could be as high as 65. Of these, 27 individuals were transported to hospitals including Liverpool, Alder Hey, Arrowe Park, and Aintree Hospitals. The injuries were severe - two people, including a child, sustained serious injuries that required immediate intensive care.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service revealed one of the most disturbing aspects of the incident: four people, including a child, were trapped under the vehicle and had to be rescued by emergency services. The image of children being pulled from beneath a car during what should have been a celebration will haunt the Liverpool community for years to come.

Among the injured were fans who had traveled from across the UK and Ireland to be part of this historic celebration. Four children were among the casualties, with families who had come to create joyful memories instead finding themselves in hospital emergency rooms. The fact that a cycling paramedic was also struck by the vehicle but avoided serious injury highlighted just how chaotic and dangerous the scene had become.

Swift Emergency Response and Investigation

Emergency services responded with remarkable speed and professionalism to the unfolding crisis. By 7 PM, a North West Air Ambulance had landed at the scene, and the area was quickly cordoned off with tape and metal barriers. Multiple tents were set up within the cordon to treat the injured, creating a makeshift medical facility in the heart of Liverpool's celebration zone.

The NWAS cleared the scene by 9:30 PM, having deployed ambulances, hazardous area response teams, air ambulance doctors, and senior clinicians. Dave Kitchin from NWAS praised the coordinated response, noting how quickly they were able to transport the most seriously injured to appropriate medical facilities.

Merseyside Police acted swiftly to arrest the 53-year-old white British man from the West Derby area of Liverpool. He was detained on suspicion of dangerous driving and driving under the influence of drugs, with authorities later adding attempted murder charges. Importantly, police were quick to clarify that this was not being treated as a terrorism-related incident, describing it instead as an isolated event with no additional suspects being sought.

Political and Football Community Response

The incident sent shockwaves through the highest levels of British government and the football community. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the scenes as 'appalling' and 'shocking,' stating that his thoughts were with all those injured or affected. He emphasized that everyone, especially children, should be able to celebrate their heroes without experiencing such horror.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called the images 'deeply concerning,' while Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson urged the public not to speculate on the motives behind the tragic event and to allow Merseyside police to conduct their investigation thoroughly.

Liverpool FC issued an immediate statement expressing that their 'thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this serious incident.' The club confirmed they were in full contact with police and would provide complete support to emergency services and local authorities. Remarkably, even their city rivals Everton FC put aside football loyalties to express solidarity, showing how the incident transcended sporting boundaries. The Premier League organization also released a statement saying everyone was 'shocked by the dreadful events' and offering full support to Liverpool FC.

Community Resilience in the Face of Tragedy

Despite the horror of the incident, stories emerged of incredible bravery and community spirit among Liverpool fans. Paul O'Brien, who had traveled from Ireland with his family, credited other supporters with potentially saving their lives: 'The people of Liverpool were incredible. Those people showed great courage by pushing kids and others out of harm's way.'

Witnesses described how fellow fans immediately rushed to help the injured, with some carrying victims into nearby restaurants and pubs until paramedics could arrive. The same passionate support that makes Liverpool's fanbase famous worldwide was redirected into helping their fellow supporters in their moment of greatest need.

The incident occurred on Water Street, near the historic Strand area known for landmarks like Oriel Chambers, built in 1864. This location, typically associated with Liverpool's proud maritime and cultural heritage, became the site of an event that would be remembered for very different reasons. The fact that it happened just one mile from the parade's conclusion point made it even more poignant - so close to the end of what should have been a perfect day.

Looking Forward: Healing and Justice

As Liverpool begins to process this traumatic event, the focus remains on supporting the victims and their families while ensuring justice is served. The 53-year-old suspect remains in custody as police continue their extensive investigation into the circumstances leading up to the collision. Authorities have asked the public not to share distressing content online and to submit any relevant footage directly to police.

The incident has raised questions about crowd safety during major public celebrations, though officials stress that this appears to have been an isolated criminal act rather than a systemic security failure. Liverpool FC has postponed their planned staff celebrations out of respect for the victims, showing the profound impact this event has had on the entire organization.

For a city and fanbase known for their resilience - having overcome tragedies like Hillsborough - this latest challenge will test their strength once again. However, the immediate response of ordinary fans helping their fellow supporters suggests that the spirit of Liverpool remains unbroken, even in the face of such senseless violence. As the investigation continues and the injured recover, the football world stands united in support of Liverpool and all those affected by this horrific incident.