A serious incident of a vehicle ramming into a crowd in the center of Liverpool, Britain, on Sunday afternoon local time left at least 65 people injured, many of whom are in serious condition and are still receiving treatment in the hospital. Around one million people had gathered on the streets of Liverpool at the time of the incident to celebrate the city’s team winning the Premier League title, police said at a briefing on the incident. The barricade was temporarily removed as an ambulance crew was administering first aid to a patient who had suffered a heart attack before the incident. The vehicle took the opportunity to cross the barricade and then crashed into the crowd. A large number of rescue workers rushed to the scene after the accident, cordoning off the area and providing emergency medical assistance. Police said it was not yet possible to confirm whether the incident was deliberate or accidental, but due to the large number of injuries, the incident has been characterized as a “major public safety incident”.
Witnesses at the scene: chaos and panic
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred when the street was crowded with people, many of whom were shopping or leisurely, without warning, an SUV suddenly accelerated into the crowd. “People screamed and scattered to escape, but many were knocked off their feet before they could react,” described resident Lydia Evans, 32, ”I saw a few people flipped in the air from the impact, it was horrible.” Surveillance video from neighboring stores shows the vehicle involved clearly accelerating before entering the roadway where the incident occurred, and still not stopping immediately after impact. Shopping bags, bicycles, children’s strollers, and knocked-down vending booths were scattered at the scene.
Quick rescue as hospital activates emergency response
Following the incident, 12 ambulances, two air ambulance helicopters, and a High Risk Area Response Team (HRART) were mobilized from the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS). The injured were taken to the Royal Liverpool University Hospital and Aintree University Hospital for treatment. “Our first responders were on the scene and graded the injured on the scene and rushed them to the hospital.” The hospitals revealed that most of the injured suffered broken limbs, concussions, and soft tissue injuries, but seven people were also critically injured and are still being treated in the intensive care unit.
Police have launched an investigation
The driver of the vehicle, a 45-year-old man from Greater Manchester, is in police custody and cooperating with the investigation, according to police reports. Initial breathalyzer tests have come back negative, but police are still awaiting further toxicology and psychiatric assessment reports. Alan Brooks, Detective Superintendent at Liverpool Police, said: ‘We are investigating several aspects, including the technical condition of the vehicle, the driver’s background and recent communications. Any valuable video footage or sightings will help the investigation progress.” There is no evidence linking the case to terrorist activities, and the state anti-terrorism department has not been involved for the time being. However, out of caution, the police have classified the incident as “high priority”.
Municipalities step up response to strong reactions
British Prime Minister Harriet Coates issued a statement later in the day expressing her condolences to the victims and their families and praising the professional response of first responders. “We stand with Liverpool and will give our full support to the local authority and police in dealing with this incident properly.” The Mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Armitage, traveled to the site of the incident that evening to mourn the victims on behalf of the city and said a review of traffic management and safety facilities in high-traffic areas of the city center would be initiated as soon as possible. “We can’t let the tragedy happen again.” Meanwhile, a flood of prayers and messages of solidarity appeared on social media, with hashtags such as “#PrayForLiverpool” and “#LiverpoolStrong” quickly making it to the top of the hit list. Several local organizations also launched donation platforms to raise funds for the treatment of the injured and counseling services.
City’s safety building raises concerns
The incident has also sparked widespread public concern about traffic safety facilities in the city center. Church Street, one of Liverpool’s busiest commercial pedestrian streets, is usually heavily trafficked but has long lacked anti-ramming facilities. “The lag in urban safety construction is one of the major reasons why this casualty was extended,” Helen Morris, Urban Safety Researcher at the University of Leeds, pointed out.”Similar locations should consider installing additional physical barrier bollards to limit the risk of vehicles breaking into crowded areas. ” An emergency meeting of the Liverpool City Council has now been called to look at short-term interim measures versus long-term structural improvements.
Incident follow-up and social impact
As the investigation progresses and the injured are progressively treated, the psychological impact and safety confidence challenge of this incident on Liverpool and the UK as a whole continues. Many members of the public have reported that what was once a familiar and safe shopping street now casts a psychological shadow. Police are urging the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unsubstantiated rumors, while encouraging those with information to come forward and provide evidence. A psychological support hotline has been set up and is open to affected witnesses and family members. It is expected that the driver will be formally charged upon completion of the preliminary investigation, and the judicial process will continue in the coming days.
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