Emergency responders sprang into action to rescue four people – including a child – pinned under a car following a horrific crash at a Liverpool parade last night.
Firefighters rushed to the scene and managed to lift the vehicle off the trapped group in the city centre, as police declared the collision a “a major incident”. Speaking to the press late on Monday, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer Nick Searle said: “We immediately mobilised three fire engines to Water Street and were in attendance in four minutes.
“On arrival, the crews were met with numerous injured… and four persons trapped under a vehicle. Our crews rapidly lifted the vehicle, removed three adults and one child from beneath and passed them to our ambulance service colleagues.
“We then worked with emergency service partners to ensure casualties received medical treatment and transport to hospital as quickly as possible. My fire crews will maintain a visible and reassuring presence in the coming days and weeks.”
Merseyside Police confirmed that four people, including a child, suffered severe injuries, while a 53 year old man from the Liverpool area was arrested in connection with the incident, reports The Mirror.
Tragedy struck in the heart of Liverpool as a car careered into jubilant fans during the Reds’ victory parade, leaving 27 injured amidst scenes of chaos.
The city had been awash with around 800,000 supporters celebrating Liverpool’s triumph when disaster unfolded on Water Street.
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims addressed the media this evening, expressing gratitude to those who responded to the crisis: “I want to thank all of the emergency services, partner agencies and members of the public who came to the assistance of the injured following this evening’s shocking incident, which we declared a major incident.”
She continued to reflect on the day’s earlier festivities: “This had been a joyous day in Liverpool with hundreds of thousands of people lining the streets to celebrate Liverpool Football Club’s victory parade.”
Sims provided further details on the aftermath: “A number of people have been injured and were taken to hospital. In addition, a large number of people of all ages were treated at the scene, but did not require hospital treatment.”
Earlier reports from Merseyside Police confirmed the arrest of a 53 year old local man in connection with the incident, with investigations intensifying to unravel the events that led to the collision.
David Kitchin from the North West Ambulance Service also gave an update on the situation: “We can confirm our teams treated 20 patients at the scene for minor injuries, and these did not need hospital treatment.”
Twenty-seven people were taken to hospital, including a child, with two suffering serious injuries.
A Liverpool spokesman said: “We are in direct contact with Merseyside Police regarding the incident on Water Street which happened towards the end of the trophy parade earlier this evening.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident. We will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident.”
