It was a bizarre, frightening occurrence Monday evening when 27 were transported to the hospital following a car that ran into a group of Liverpool soccer fans celebrating near Anfield. Police have stated that terrorism is not involved in the accident and that the driver experienced a “medical episode.”
The accident happened about 7:30 PM outside the lively pub on Walton Breck Road, roughly a block across from the stadium. The revelry-loving fans were basking in the glow of a 2-1 win for Liverpool, closing out an emotional final day of the Premier League season. The fun ended in literally seconds.
A dark colored SUV left the roadway and drove into a crowd of fans wearing red scarves and singing team songs. First responders arrived in minutes, and ambulances and emergency units started to address the incident. The police set up a cordon around the site, and paramedics began to work with the injured, many of whom were said to have serious injuries but were stable. Among the injured were two minors, a 10 and a 14-year-old, who were both fans attending the match with family. Both are in the process of being observed at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
Merseyside Police were quick to reassure the public that the incident was not being treated as an act of terrorism. Initial investigations suggest that the driver, a man in his 50s, suffered an extreme medical episode believed to be a seizure, therefore losing control of the vehicle.
“We fully appreciate the public concern at the time, particularly in respect of the locale and the large number of people impacted,” said Superintendent Rachel O’Connor. “We have confirmed through our investigation that there is no connection to terrorism or any planned attack. This looks to be a tragic accident caused by a medical incident outside of the driver’s control.”
The driver is in the hospital and remains under observation. Police confirmed the driver is cooperating with the investigation, and toxicology testing is being carried out to eliminate substance issues or other medical conditions.
By Tuesday morning, the crash site had become an unplanned vigil of sorts with fans leaving bouquets, red scarves, and candles now lining the pavement where hours earlier applause had turned to cries for help. A local support group, Fans for Fans, has already set up blood donations and a GoFundMe page for the victims’ medical care, and has raised over £20,000 within a few short hours.
Investigators are still reviewing the incident, including CCTV footage and witness statements, and a full accident report is expected later this week. In the meantime, Merseyside Police reiterated their request to the public on social media to refrain from guessing and to let the investigators do their job.
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