LIVERPOOL – What was meant to be a joyous day for Liverpool football fans ended in horror on Monday evening when a vehicle ploughed into a cheering crowd during the club’s Premier League victory parade. Four individuals remain in critical condition, described as “very, very ill” by Liverpool City Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram.

The incident, which took place in Liverpool’s city centre as the celebration was winding down, saw a grey people-carrier forcefully drive through a closed-off street packed with fans. In a terrifying moment captured on video, the car sent several spectators flying and dragged at least four people beneath its wheels.

A Festive Day Turned Tragic

The day had drawn over a million people to the streets of Liverpool, enjoying a rare Spring Bank Holiday with bright weather and brighter moods. The city’s open-top bus parade was a long-awaited celebration, especially since Liverpool’s previous title win occurred during the COVID-19 lockdowns, when public gatherings were banned.

But the celebration turned into chaos in the final hours as the vehicle breached pedestrian barriers and struck fans who were dispersing. Emergency responders moved quickly, treating 20 people at the scene and transporting 27 to hospital — several of them children.

Police Response and Arrest

Within hours, Merseyside Police arrested a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area in connection with the crash. Authorities were quick to label the incident as isolated and not terror-related, a move local officials said was intended to quash misinformation that was already beginning to circulate online.

“There are elements who fill any silence with speculation or hate,” said Mayor Rotheram during an interview with the BBC. “We’ve seen it before, and we couldn’t let that happen again.”

He was referencing previous incidents, including the murder of three girls in nearby Southport last year, which led to civil unrest after false claims spread about the suspect’s identity.

Social Media’s Role in Public Panic

The mayor’s comments underline growing concerns about the rapid spread of false narratives in the wake of such crises. With unverified footage circulating online, some social media users immediately speculated about a politically or religiously motivated attack — an assumption promptly countered by the police’s early identification of the suspect.

The quick release of information helped prevent what could have been another volatile episode fueled by online disinformation. “We’ve learned our lesson from past tragedies,” said Rotheram. “This time, we acted swiftly.”

National Reaction

Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended his sympathies to the victims and praised emergency workers for their fast and professional response. “Everyone — especially children — should be able to celebrate their heroes without this horror,” Starmer said in a statement.

Ongoing Investigation

As police continue to investigate the motive behind the crash, the city remains on edge but united in hope for the recovery of the most seriously injured. The four people fighting for their lives in hospital are a stark reminder of how even the most jubilant occasions can be shattered in seconds.

In a city where football is often described as a religion, this tragedy has deeply affected fans, residents, and players alike. And while the trophies may still gleam, the mood across Liverpool is now one of quiet concern and a renewed call for safety in public spaces.

The parade — meant to be a celebration of triumph — now leaves behind questions, heartbreak, and a long road to recovery for some of the club’s most passionate supporters.