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Tragic twist in Liverpool party: Premiership parade ends in a mass hit and run

What should have been an unforgettable day for Liverpool fans was marred by a dramatic event that shocked the entire city. The parade organized to celebrate the Premier League title - the second in the club's modern era - became the scene of a tragedy when a car ploughed into dozens of people in the heart of Liverpool.

The scene occurred on Water Street, one of the main thoroughfares through which the team's motorcade was traveling. After six o'clock in the evening, and when thousands of fans were crowding to see their idols, a black vehicle burst into the area and ran over numerous pedestrians. As confirmed by Merseyside County Police, the driver was arrested at the scene of the incident. He is a 53-year-old British man, resident in the city.

The emergency services acted quickly, but the chaos was total. Images shared on social media showed people lying on the ground, stretchers going in and out, and members of the public helping the injured. In total, 47 people were reported affected, two of them in serious condition. The road was quickly cordoned off by police, while ambulances and a fire truck were deployed to control the situation.

The team's parade was planned as a historic celebration. Arne Slot and his players would travel more than 15 kilometers in two convertible buses, greeting a city that had been waiting years for this occasion. The first time Liverpool won the Premier League under its current format was in 2020, but the pandemic then prevented any kind of public celebration. This time, the fans had taken to the streets en masse, turning them into a red tide for a few hours.

However, the euphoria was abruptly extinguished. The police are investigating the causes of the hit-and-run and, for the moment, have not confirmed whether it was an intentional act or an accident. Although no official information has been offered on the motives of the detainee, the fact that he remained at the scene and did not attempt to flee has opened up multiple hypotheses.

The British government was quick to speak out. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called what happened “appalling” and expressed his support for the injured and their families. “I am receiving constant updates. We must allow the police to do their job without pressure,” he said in a statement.

Liverpool FC also reacted quickly with an official note in which it deeply regretted what happened and assured to be in direct contact with the authorities. “Our thoughts are with all those affected. We will continue to offer our full cooperation to the emergency services,” the club said.

Police are still maintaining a heavy presence in the area of the incident and have asked citizens to avoid the area while investigations are completed. Many fans who were present shared on social media their bewilderment and sadness at the turn of events. Some even recounted how, moments before the hit-and-run, a festive and family-like atmosphere reigned.

For the time being, the celebration has been suspended and awaits further decisions from the club and Liverpool City Council. Meanwhile, the city is trying to assimilate the contrast between the joy of a long-awaited title and the harshness of a tragedy that no one saw coming. A day that should have been one to remember, turned out to be anything but.