A day of joy and celebration for Liverpool turned into one of horror when a car ploughed into crowds during the Premier League winners’ trophy parade. About 500,000 people had gathered to witness the historic event when tragedy struck.
The atmosphere was electric. At 5:41 pm, the open-top bus carrying the Liverpool team passed by the Royal Liver Building, and the crowd broke into a powerful rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” a stirring tribute to the new champions. Fireworks and ticker tape exploded overhead as former Liverpool managers waved to the supporters from a nearby apartment. It was a scene filled with sheer euphoria, a long-awaited moment of triumph and pride.
However, just 25 minutes later, the mood changed drastically. On Water Street, a car driven by a 53-year-old local man suddenly crashed into a number of pedestrians, including four children. The joyous crowd was thrown into chaos as people were injured and trapped beneath the vehicle.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, with 27 people taken to hospital. Two suffered serious injuries, including one child, while another 20 were treated for minor wounds at the scene. Many others later presented themselves to hospitals across Merseyside. Ambulances remained parked outside Liverpool Town Hall for hours, and some casualties were treated in nearby venues such as the Riva Blu Italian restaurant.
Among those injured was a man from Birmingham who had come to Liverpool for the celebrations. He recounted how he had spent the day enjoying the atmosphere but was knocked over by the car while trying to find a better mobile signal. He spoke of his shock and heartbreak, saying he no longer wanted to share photos or talk about the incident after witnessing such devastation.
The tragedy came as a brutal shock to thousands who had traveled from across the globe to witness Liverpool’s 20th league title win, a record-equalling achievement. One fan had cycled for 20 days from Switzerland, passing through several countries just to be part of the moment. The celebrations marked the end of a 35-year wait for another title, making the occasion even more special.
Liverpool’s head coach, who had recently taken charge and led the team to victory, described the day as the best of his career. He spoke about the overwhelming sense of community and joy, how fans of all ages had lined the 10-mile route, and how it felt beyond any dream or expectation. The coach’s words, filled with pride and hope, made the subsequent tragedy all the more heartbreaking.
The city council estimated that half a million people had lined the streets from early morning, braving poor weather to catch a glimpse of stars like Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and a tearful Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set to leave the club. Train stations and streets were packed with jubilant fans eager to celebrate the team’s success.
But the joyous parade along the scenic Strand, flanked by the iconic Three Graces and filled with red smoke and cheering crowds, abruptly ended in horror. Within half an hour of the bus passing, the incident on Water Street left multiple people injured and four trapped under the car. The city’s festive mood was shattered.
In the aftermath, projections celebrating the title win were switched off at the Royal Albert Dock. The football club suspended all social media activity and canceled a staff party planned for the following day. Players and staff were informed of the developments as they disembarked from their coach, their triumph overshadowed by the tragic events.
What had been a day of jubilation and communal pride turned into one marked by shock and sorrow. Liverpool’s historic title parade will be remembered not only for the victory but also for the sudden tragedy that struck its people.
