Joy Turns to Terror: Van Driver Attacks Liverpool Fans, Leaving Dozens Injured
Liverpool Fans Celebrate Championship, Then Tragedy Strikes
LONDON — What began as a jubilant celebration for Liverpool Football Club’s Premier League victory turned into a horrifying scene of chaos and terror Monday when a driver plowed a minivan into a crowd of fans. More than 45 people were injured as the celebratory atmosphere was abruptly shattered by the crash.
Driver Apprehended, No Terrorism Suspected
Police have arrested a 53-year-old British man in connection with the incident. Authorities believe he acted alone and are not currently investigating the crash as an act of terrorism.
Chaos and Injuries on Parade Route
Ambulances transported 27 people to hospitals, including two with serious injuries. Another 20 people were treated at the scene for minor injuries. According to Dave Kitchin of North West Ambulance Service, at least four children were among the victims. Four people, including a child, were trapped under the van and required the assistance of firefighters to free them. A paramedic on a bicycle was also struck by the van but thankfully escaped serious injury.
Witnesses Describe the Terrifying Scene
Harry Rashid, who was at the parade with his wife and daughters, recounted the terrifying experience:
“It was extremely fast,” Rashid said. “Initially, we just heard the pop, pop, pop of people just being knocked off the bonnet of a car.”
“My daughter started screaming, and there were people on the ground,” he said. “They were just innocent people, just fans going to enjoy the parade.”
Rashid, along with other witnesses, described the driver deliberately driving into the crowd, causing widespread panic and chaos. He said the crowd initially charged the halted vehicle, attempting to stop the driver, but he then accelerated again, plowing through the remaining fans.
Liverpool in Mourning
City Council leader Liam Robinson expressed the city’s grief:
“It has cast a very dark shadow over what had been a joyous day for the city,” Robinson said.
The incident has deeply saddened Liverpool, a city already haunted by the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, where 97 fans lost their lives in a stadium crush. The joy of a well-deserved championship victory has been overshadowed by this tragedy.
National Response
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack, calling the scenes “appalling” and praising the bravery of the rescuers. He offered his support to the city and its people:
“Everyone, especially children, should be able to celebrate their heroes without this horror,” Starmer said. “The city has a long and proud history of coming together through difficult times. Liverpool stands together and the whole country stands with Liverpool.”
Liverpool Football Club expressed their condolences and support for those affected by the incident. The Premier League also issued a statement expressing their shock and support for the city.
