‘Too realistic’ bus explosion movie stunt terrifies Londoners (VIDEO)
Londoners feared a terrorist attack when a double-decker bus apparently exploded in central London. However, it was just a stunt for a new movie. Pictures of the artificial blast instigated lively discussions online.
The actual reason for the ‘blast’ was a movie-in-the-making, “The Foreigner”, staring Jackie Chan. But some people who saw the bus explode with their own eyes either live or online expressed horror, thinking terrorism was to blame.
Incredible this was central London this morning https://t.co/EdIiKtWJRn#explosion#lambethbridge#londonbus#londonpic.twitter.com/qj91ONVNnX
— Will Oliphant (@willoliphant) February 7, 2016
@willoliphant
— Bob Smith (@Schmiffy12) February 7, 2016
What's this? Nothing on MSN as far as I can see. Terrorism??
PS I was freaked too. Looked very real
— Sophie Kinsella (@KinsellaSophie) February 7, 2016
Noticed this on Lambeth bridge as we passed. Got v worried until we realised they were filming! #theforeignerpic.twitter.com/cq8rpGoszD
— NPAS Redhill (@NPAS_Redhill) February 7, 2016
The incident reminded others of the 2005 terror attacks in London.
If you're filming a London bus blowing up and tweeting it out, SAY IT'S FAKE. Some of us lived through 7/7 waiting to see who'd died.
— failnaut (@failnaut) February 7, 2016
A number of people blamed the film crew and authorities for not giving the general public a heads-up.
Hey film types next time you blow up a bus on Lambeth Bridge maybe tell us first so children in park aren't freaked? pic.twitter.com/8Ui6YoE9N0
— Sophie Kinsella (@KinsellaSophie) February 7, 2016
However, others pointed out that there had indeed been a notice about the event.
@failnaut they told businesses & residents in the area, their responsibility to pass the info on not the filmmakers. pic.twitter.com/Oiq2cthZvG
— Jess (@Allmmurr) February 7, 2016
The Marine Policing Unit in London also posted a prior warning.
Don't be concerned if you hear or see explosions on Lambeth Bridge today, filming is taking place including loud special effects.
— MPSonthewater (@MPSonthewater) February 7, 2016
Other posts were more positive with users saying there was no reason to be scared as it was obvious it was being done for a movie.
Personally find the outrage of the Lambeth Bridge thing hilarious, quite obvious it was for filming
— Jess (@Allmmurr) February 7, 2016
Some argued with the above point of view, saying that hiring loudspeakers or marshals would have eliminated fears. They insisted that explicit indication that the explosion was a fake was required from anyone spreading the video online.
@KinsellaSophie A few loudspeaker warnings too might have avoided too many people being freaked out!
— HughSykes (@HughSykes) February 7, 2016
'If you see anything suspicious....'
@HughSykes@PA Understand that, but when another action movie shot there, they stationed marshals along the river. Was more obvious.
— Sophie Kinsella (@KinsellaSophie) February 7, 2016
@FireLambeth@TowerRNLI you need to be a bit more responsible with this clip. It's not clear that it's filming, it could be distressing.
— Mike J (@magic_in_london) February 7, 2016
The Marine Policing Unit said that Lambeth Bridge where the explosion took place was temporary closed.
This is the aftermath of a London bus being blown up for a film shoot today. Lambeth Bridge remains closed. pic.twitter.com/nT36TWQZW1
— MPSonthewater (@MPSonthewater) February 7, 2016
