On the evening of May 26, 2025, a joyous celebration in Liverpool turned to chaos and fear when a vehicle plowed into a crowd of fans gathered to mark Liverpool Football Club’s Premier League triumph. The incident, which unfolded shortly after 6:00 p.m. on Water Street in the heart of the city, left an indelible mark on what was meant to be a day of unity and pride for the Merseyside community. As thousands lined the streets, waving flags and lighting red smoke flares to honor their team’s victory, the sudden collision brought panic and confusion, transforming a festive atmosphere into one of shock and concern.
Merseyside Police responded immediately to reports of the collision, which occurred as the open-top bus parade carrying Liverpool FC players wound through a 10-mile route across the city. According to authorities, the vehicle, described by witnesses as a grey MPV, struck multiple pedestrians before coming to a stop. A male suspect was detained at the scene, and emergency services, including police, ambulances, and fire crews, descended on the area near the Liver Building. An air ambulance also landed nearby to assist with medical evacuations, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Witnesses described a harrowing scene, with onlookers rushing to aid the injured while others confronted the driver, leading to tense moments before police secured the area.
The exact number of injuries and their severity remain unconfirmed, though reports from the scene suggest at least six individuals were harmed, with some requiring immediate hospital treatment. A local business owner on Water Street, Mo Adass, estimated that as many as 17 people may have been injured, though official figures are still pending. The North West Ambulance Service issued a statement emphasizing their priority to provide rapid medical care, working alongside other emergency responders to assess and treat those affected. Mowgli, a restaurant on Water Street, was repurposed as an emergency medical center to accommodate the immediate needs of the injured.
The incident has left Liverpool reeling, with questions swirling about the driver’s motive. Authorities have not yet determined whether the collision was intentional or accidental, though the police’s description of the event as a “road traffic collision” suggests they are approaching it cautiously as they investigate. Video footage circulating online captures the moment the vehicle veered into the crowd, showing fans scattering in panic as the reality of the situation set in. The footage, coupled with eyewitness accounts, paints a vivid picture of a community caught off guard during a moment of collective pride.
Liverpool’s Premier League title parade had drawn an estimated one million fans, surpassing the 750,000 who attended the club’s 2019 Champions League celebration. The event was a vibrant display of the city’s passion for football, with players like Curtis Jones and manager Arne Slot sharing emotional reflections from the parade bus. Slot called the day the pinnacle of his career, while Jones, a local hero from Toxteth, described the scenes as “unbelievable.” Yet, the joy of those moments was overshadowed by the tragedy on Water Street, prompting an outpouring of concern from public figures. Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson expressed hope that those affected would return safely to their loved ones, while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper were reportedly being kept informed of developments.
As the investigation continues, Merseyside Police have cordoned off Water Street and nearby areas, including Dale Street and Castle Street, urging the public to avoid the vicinity. Liverpool City Council is working closely with authorities to provide support and clarity as the situation unfolds. For a city that has long found solace and identity in its football club, the incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly moments of celebration can turn to sorrow. The coming days will likely bring more answers about the circumstances of the collision, but for now, Liverpool holds its breath, hoping for the recovery of those injured and seeking solace in its tight-knit community.
