27 Injured as Car Ploughs into Crowd Amidst Liverpool Title Celebrations

During a parade on Monday to honour Liverpool’s Premier League triumph, a vehicle crashed into a gathering of fans, resulting in 27 injuries, including two individuals in critical condition. Authorities have confirmed that they do not consider the incident to be related to terrorism.

Law enforcement reported the arrest of a “53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool region,” identified as the driver of the car that collided with the large assemblage of supporters celebrating in the northwest England city.

Among the 27 individuals transported to hospital, four were children, with one child and one adult listed in serious condition. Footage circulating on social media depicted fans being thrown into the air as the car barreled into the crowd.

Once the vehicle came to a halt, furious fans surrounded it, smashing windows as police stepped in to prevent any harm coming to the driver.

“We view this as an isolated incident, and at this time, we are not seeking any additional suspects. This occurrence is not being classified as a terrorist attack,” stated temporary Deputy Chief Constable Jenny Sims during a press briefing.

With many people enjoying the Spring Bank Holiday holiday, hundreds of thousands amassed to witness the Liverpool team and its staff drive through the city centre on an open-top bus with the Premier League trophy.

The occurrence has “cast a dark cloud over what was meant to be a celebratory day,” lamented Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson via social media.

In the wake of the collision, a Reuters photographer observed emergency personnel transporting victims on stretchers to awaiting ambulances, while debris littered the roadway.

Authorities promptly released a description of the arrested individual.

Dal Babu, a former chief superintendent with London’s Metropolitan Police, informed the BBC that this quick release aimed to alleviate online speculation regarding the potential for an Islamist motive.

Witness Chelsea recounted on BBC Radio that the crowd only became aware of the approaching danger due to the screams of others, allowing some to leap out of harm’s way as the driver continued without any indication of slowing.

“It was the commotion that drew our attention, and thankfully we looked up just in time to jump aside,” she described.

According to a Reuters observer, prior to the incident, the city centre was already experiencing some disorder, marked by overcrowding and confusion over street closures, leaving many spectators unsure where to go.

Politicians from Britain and Ireland, where Liverpool enjoys immense popularity, voiced their gratitude towards emergency services.

“I am thinking of all those who were injured or impacted,” stated Prime Minister Keir Starmer on X, characterising the scenes as “appalling” and noting that he was receiving updates about the situation.

The club also expressed its concern via X, confirming their close communication with the police regarding the event. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this serious situation,” Liverpool stated.