A car explosion outside a British hospital killed one person and injured another, Merseyside Police reported.

A vehicle, which was believed to be a taxi, exploded outside of the Liverpool Women's Hospital at 10:59 am on Sunday.


Merseyside Police confirmed that one person, a male passenger who has not been identified yet, died from the explosion.

Additionally, another person, the driver, also a man, was injured at the scene and is currently staying in a hospital in a stable condition.

Three men suspected to be linked to the incident were arrested under the Terrorism Act. The men — aged 29, 26, and 21 — are currently detained in the Kensington area of the city.

Counter-terrorism police said that they are in close collaboration with Merseyside Police in investigating the case and declared that they are keeping an open mind about the probable cause of the explosion.

“So far we understand that the car involved was a taxi which pulled up at the hospital shortly before the explosion occurred," the Merseyside Police spokesman said.

“Work is still going on to establish what has happened and could take some time before we are in a position to confirm anything."

“We are keeping an open mind as to what caused the explosion, but given how it has happened - out of caution - counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation supported by Merseyside Police."

“Our response is ongoing at the hospital and will be for some time. Cordons are in place, and there are some road closures.”

Police declared the explosion as a major incident.

Images and footage showing a number of explosions and billowing smoke outside the hospital have been shared online.


Liverpool Women’s Hospital has advised that visiting access had been restricted “until further notice” and patients had been transferred to other hospitals “where possible”.

“We are reviewing our patient activity for the next 24-48 hours and patients should wait to be contacted for updates about any planned appointments or other attendance at the hospital," the hospital said in a statement.

“Our staff are being permitted to leave and enter the hospital under the supervision of Merseyside Police.”


Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service Chief Officer Phil Garrigan reported that the car fire was "fully developed" when they arrived shortly after 11 am.

“The operational crews extinguished the fire rapidly but as has been reiterated by the police chief constable, there was one fatality," Mr Garrigan told the reporters at the scene.

“Another individual had left the vehicle prior to the fire developing to the extent that it did."

“Our thoughts are with them and the families of those involved.”