The NHS University Liverpool Group is calling on people to stop calling to ask about loved ones following the tragic incident that marred Liverpool's Premier League title celebrations.
On Monday, Arne Slot's team celebrated clinching the Premier League title - a 20th first division title, tying Manchester United for the most in English football - with a parade on the streets of the city. However, the jubilant atmosphere was derailed by a car driving through hordes of fans.
The car reportedly collided with a number of pedestrians on Water Street. The car stopped at the scene and a male - later confirmed to be a 53-year-old white British male from the Merseyside area - was detained, but a number of people were left injured. One local restaurant was transformed into an ER while staff reportedly gave fluids and assisted in any way they could.
Amid the chaos and overflowing medical centers, the NHS University Hospitals Liverpool Group is now urging members of the public to refrain from calling to ask about loved ones after the Liverpool victory parade incident, saying next of kin will be contacted.
In a statement, the trust says: “Following the incident in Liverpool city centre this evening, we know that many people are concerned about loved ones.
“Next of kin will be contacted, so please help us to manage the incident as best we can by refraining from calling our switchboard.”
In the wake of the incident, Liverpool FC posted a statement which read: “We are in direct contact with Merseyside Police regarding the incident on Water Street which happened towards the end of the trophy parade earlier this evening.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident.
“We will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident.”
Fans recounted the traumatizing incident in which a driver plowed into a crowd of Liverpool supporters during the parade
Fans recounted the traumatizing incident in which a driver plowed into a crowd of Liverpool supporters during the parade (Image: Photo by Getty Images)
Earlier in the day, Reds manager Slot and his squad traveled around the city in an open-top bus to show off the Premier League trophy and bask in the glory of an unforgettable season. But the story quickly turned to one of concern and anguish, with ambulance and fire crews also on the scene to tend to the casualties.
An air ambulance also landed in the city center to try and deal with the issues. Natasha Rinaldi witnessed the incident as she was watching the parade from her friend's living room window when they “heard some screams.“
“It was so loud,“ Rinaldi told Sky News. “People sounded desperate.
“And then we looked at the window and we saw the car [had] run over people. Then people started rushing to go after the driver and they tried to break the car.
“The police did everything to block and to push people away. We could just hear screams and screams.
“We were very confused. Some of my friends were down there and the car was so near them. It was a horrible scene, nobody was expecting it.“