A day that began with cheers and flares in Liverpool ended in shock and heartbreak. What should have been a joyous celebration turned grim when a car drove into a crowd during the Reds’ Premier League title parade on Monday evening.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, back in the city for the parade, shared a heartfelt message after the incident.
“My family and I are shocked and devastated. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are injured and affected. You’ll Never Walk Alone,” Klopp posted as a story on Instagram.
The open-top bus parade, which followed Liverpool’s first full-scale Premier League title celebration in 35 years, quickly turned into a scene of panic when a vehicle plowed through fans near Water Street.
Thousands had gathered along the route to salute the team’s historic season.
ALSO READ: What happened during Liverpool’s Premier League victory bus parade?
Liverpool victory parade turns tragic
The crash occurred shortly after 6 p.m. local time. Emergency crews were on the scene within minutes.
According to Merseyside Police, 27 people were taken to the hospital, including four children. Two suffered serious injuries. Firefighters rescued several people trapped under the vehicle.
A 53-year-old local man was arrested at the scene. Police said they are not treating the case as terrorism and believe it to be an isolated event.
Video clips shared online showed the grey car moving slowly through the crowd before suddenly speeding up. Witnesses said the car came “out of nowhere,” knocking people to the ground like dominoes in stoppage time.
Jurgen Klopp, who led Liverpool to numerous titles including the 2020 Premier League crown, had posted earlier in the day about the celebration. But his tone changed quickly after the crash, echoing the emotions felt across the city.
Club legends like Jamie Carragher and Sir Kenny Dalglish also expressed their sorrow, while Everton, Manchester United, and the Premier League offered support.
Liverpool FC confirmed it is working closely with police and local authorities as investigations continue.
The celebration may have ended in tragedy, but the message from the city and its football family was loud and clear — no one walks alone in Liverpool.
ALSO READ: Liverpool star’s cryptic Instagram post hints at summer exit