World Cup bus engulfed in flames as wild celebrations break out in Manhattan following the Knicks’ victory
A World Cup bus was set ablaze, and a teenager sustained a gunshot wound amid chaotic scenes in Midtown Manhattan as thousands of basketball fans flooded the streets late on Saturday to celebrate the New York Knicks’ historic victory in the NBA Finals.
After exiting crowded bars and outdoor venues, some fans ignited fireworks and released smoke grenades, chanting “Knicks in five!” to celebrate their team’s triumph in the fifth game of a potential seven.
The New York Knicks have not claimed a title since 1973, marking this as only their third appearance in the finals following defeats in 1994 and 1999 against the Houston Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs, whom they triumphed over on Saturday night.
WORLD CUP SHUTTLE BUSES OVERWHELMED
At approximately 2 a.m., a 17-year-old sustained a gunshot wound to the foot amid celebrations in Times Square, as reported by a New York police officer to Reuters. He added that three persons of interest were in custody.
As the festivities continued into the night, a large crowd of predominantly young individuals gathered around a convoy of approximately 15 shuttle buses in Times Square. These buses had just transported soccer fans from the inaugural World Cup match in the New York City area, featuring Brazil and Morocco, which concluded in a draw.
Some individuals ascended to the rooftops of the buses, entered, and took their places in the driver’s seats. A yellow school bus, which the city government had contracted to assist in transporting soccer fans, was reportedly set ablaze, as noted by a Reuters video journalist who observed it engulfed in flames. It was unclear at first whether anyone had sustained injuries in the incident. At least three additional shuttle buses sustained significant damage due to the crowds.
A bicycle was lifted onto the roof of another bus, where supporters of the Brazilian soccer team joined Knicks fans, waving their national flag enthusiastically. A man with a bleeding face walked through the crowds, yet Reuters was unable to ascertain the cause of his injury.
“They are expressing their happiness, perhaps a bit forcefully, but that’s just how it is,” said Youssef Sabbr, a 49-year-old Canadian of Moroccan descent, who had disembarked from one of the World Cup game buses before it was encircled by crowds.
That’s what occurs globally when a team triumphs,” Sabbr remarked.
Authorities intervene, pursuing the crowd.
Police cordoned off several streets, and after a two-hour standoff, officers in riot gear advanced, pursuing fans down the thoroughfares.
Some officers on horseback pushed crowds back, clearing the streets surrounding Madison Square Garden, the home court of the Knicks.
Carol Marino, a real estate agent from New York in her 50s, paused for a moment on the sidewalk after enjoying the game at a bar.
Oh my goodness. “It’s like New Year’s Eve times twenty,” she remarked about the celebrations.
In other locations, ecstatic fans beat drums, embraced one another, and scaled scaffolding and traffic lights.
New York couple Dean and Christina Smiros expressed their lifelong devotion to the Knicks and shared their joy at witnessing their team secure a victory for the first time in their lives.
They haven’t won since before we were born,” Christina remarked.
