A joyous celebration for Liverpool FC's Premier League title turned into a scene of chaos on Monday, May 26, 2025, when a car drove into pedestrians on Water Street in Liverpool. Thousands of ecstatic fans had gathered in the city centre for the club's victory parade, marking their record-equalling 20th English top-flight title.

The incident occurred shortly after the open-top bus carrying the Liverpool players and staff, emblazoned with "Ours. Again.", had passed through Water Street. Witnesses described a dark-coloured vehicle, identified in one report as a grey Ford Galaxy, accelerating and swerving "extremely fast" through the huge crowds. Accounts detailed hearing the "pop, pop, pop" of people being hit and seeing victims, including men, women, and even a baby, knocked by the car before it hit the pavement.

The collision resulted in numerous injuries. Merseyside Police reported that 27 people were taken to hospital by ambulance, with two individuals, one of whom is a child, sustaining "serious injuries." In total, four children were among the injured. An additional 20 people received treatment at the scene but did not require hospitalization, bringing the total number of people hurt to at least 47. A cyclist paramedic was struck by the vehicle but thankfully did not sustain an injury. Emergency services, including Merseyside Police, North West Ambulance Service, and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, responded swiftly. Firefighters rescued four people, including a child, who were trapped under the car. The area was quickly cordoned off, and medical tents were set up to provide aid.

Merseyside Police confirmed the arrest of a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area, believed to be the driver of the vehicle. The car stopped at the scene. Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims stated that the incident is not being treated as terrorism and is considered an isolated event, with police not currently looking for anyone else in connection. Investigations into the circumstances leading up to the collision are ongoing, and police have urged the public not to speculate.

The incident drew widespread condemnation and concern. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the scenes as "appalling" and praised the emergency services for their prompt response. Liverpool FC issued a statement expressing their thoughts and prayers for those affected and confirmed they were in direct contact with the police. The Premier League also conveyed its shock and support. Messages of solidarity came from other football clubs, including Liverpool's historic rivals Everton and Manchester United, as well as Chelsea and Manchester City. Basketball star and Liverpool minority owner LeBron James also condemned the act.

The parade held particular significance for Liverpool fans. The club had secured the Premier League title nearly a month prior with four games to spare and lifted the trophy after their final match. This event was a long-awaited opportunity for collective celebration, especially since the parade for their 2020 league win was cancelled due to coronavirus restrictions, ending a 30-year wait for that particular title. The city has a history of rallying together, though it has also been marked by sporting tragedies like Hillsborough in 1989 and Heysel in 1985.