Eyewitnesses shared harrowing details of the car-in-crowd incident at Liverpool victory parade that left nearly 50 injured on Monday. With 27 people hospitalised, a bystander recounted how one could "hear bumps" as the car drove over people.
“It was extremely fast. Initially, we just heard the pop, pop, pop of people just being knocked off the bonnet of a car. But then he put his foot down again and just plowed through the rest of them, he just kept going. It was horrible. And you could hear the bumps as he was going over the people," AP quoted Harry Rashid saying. He was with his wife and two daughters.
Celebratory mood shattered
“My daughter started screaming, and there were people on the ground. They were just innocent people, just fans going to enjoy the parade,” he added.
A 53-year-old white British man drove into crowd of Liverpool soccer fans celebrating the city's Premier League title. Police said that the arrested driver is believed to have acted alone, and the incident was not being treated as an act of terrorism.
'People treated on road side'
Another onlooker recalled how the injured were "treated on the side of the road” given the urgency of the situation.
“We heard a frantic beeping ahead, a car flew past me and my mate, people were chasing it and trying to stop him, windows smashed at the back," said Peter Jones.
“He then drove into people, police and medics ran past us, and people were being treated on the side of the road,” Jones added.
The incident drew reactions from UK PM Keir Starmer who said, “Everyone, especially children, should be able to celebrate their heroes without this horror. The city has a long and proud history of coming together through difficult times. Liverpool stands together and the whole country stands with Liverpool.”
Liverpool Football Club's legacy remains marked by a tragedy that occurred 36 years ago, when 97 fans lost their lives in a stadium crush during a match against Sheffield at Hillsborough Stadium.
At TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and...
Read MoreAt TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.
Read Less