**Welsh Father Recounts Harrowing Incident as Car Ploughs Into Liverpool Parade Crowds**
A Welsh father has revealed the terrifying moment he witnessed a car suddenly drive through crowds gathered to celebrate Liverpool FC’s Premier League victory, describing how it “came out of nowhere” on a street that was supposed to have been closed to traffic.
Chris Lewis, who had travelled from Mountain Ash to Liverpool to mark the football club’s long-awaited win, found himself caught up in the commotion on Water Street as celebrations were drawing to a close. The festive mood quickly turned to chaos, with scores of fans injured—over fifty according to local authorities—when an out-of-control car drove directly into those gathered along the procession route.
The incident, which unfolded just after the trophy parade had finished, has shocked the local community and football fans alike. Police have since arrested a 53-year-old man from West Derby on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving, and being unfit to drive through drugs. The suspect remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Speaking to BBC Radio Wales about the ordeal, Mr Lewis recounted how what should have been a joyful day for his family—and a dual birthday celebration for himself and his youngest son—turned into a near-tragedy. He explained that, after enjoying the bus parade from The Strand, they had begun walking through the city centre, hoping to continue their celebrations at a nearby pub.
However, their plans were abruptly interrupted. “We thought, ‘This road should be closed. What is this car doing here?’ It was just bizarre,” Mr Lewis remarked. Within moments, the car began driving erratically, and it became apparent that it was not going to stop for the crowds in its path.
Mr Lewis described the panic that ensued: “Suddenly, I had to shout for my son to get out of the way because the vehicle just carried on. He barely avoided being struck.” Others around them also tried desperately to get the driver’s attention, banging on the bonnet and shouting for it to stop, but their actions were in vain. The car continued down Water Street, reportedly accelerating and braking intermittently.
In the immediate aftermath, the true extent of the situation was not clear to those present. “We didn’t realise what had happened further down Water Street until much later,” Mr Lewis said. Communication lines faltered amid the confusion, with family members struggling to get in touch. It was only when Mr Lewis’s wife managed to reach him later that he learned of the severity of the incident—by which point the news was already spreading widely.
She was, understandably, frantic after hearing the reports from home. “She was really scared, and it was only then that we grasped how serious things had become. We were very lucky that none of us were caught up in it,” Mr Lewis reflected.
The father-of-two expressed his deep sympathy for those not as fortunate. He said, “My heart goes out to everyone affected. What should have been a community celebration turned into something heartbreaking for many families.”
In a statement later that day, Merseyside Police clarified that the Ford Galaxy involved was able to access Water Street after a road block was temporarily removed to allow an ambulance through, following a suspected heart attack in the crowd. Eleven people remain in hospital as a result of the crash, but officials have confirmed that all are in a stable condition.
The events have prompted questions around crowd safety and the robustness of traffic management at large-scale gatherings. As celebrations gave way to concern, the Liverpool community is now rallying in support of those injured during what should have been a day of joy and unity for the city.
As the investigation continues, residents and supporters alike are left to reflect on a day that highlighted both the importance of swift emergency response and the unpredictability that can transform public events in an instant.