Bomb stunt panics London
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Londoners were left terrified and furious after an iconic red double-decker bus exploded on a bridge in the centre of the city, only to find out it was all a stunt.
Authorities were quick to take to Twitter to provide reassurance, with local MP Nigel Huddleston tweeting: “Anyone worried about the exploding bus on Lambeth Bridge just now? It was for a movie.”
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The explosion was a stunt for a Jackie Chan film named The Foreigner, which is currently in production in London.
The Port of London Authority confirmed the bridge had been closed for filming, and according to Sky News, the film’s producers posted a warning on Twitter beforehand which said: “The explosion is controlled and operated by our special effects team.”
“Every precaution will be taken to ensure the safety of the people in the area,” it added.
Watch the video of the blast below:
Anyone worried about the exploding bus on Lambeth Bridge just now? It was just for a movie. pic.twitter.com/1ypWZZ6jPp
— Nigel Huddleston MP (@HuddlestonNigel) February 7, 2016
The Marine Policing Unit took to Twitter, saying: “Don’t be concerned if you hear or see explosions on Lambeth Bridge today, filming is taking place including loud special effects.”
Road signs were also in place, and a notice of the controlled explosion was distributed in the area.
Despite the warnings before the stunt, many tweeted their anger and confusion.
“Was far enough away from Lambeth Bridge to see bus blow up but not why, genuinely felt it in pit of my stomach,” one user said.
“Hey film types next time you blow up a bus on Lambeth Bridge maybe tell us first so children in park aren’t freaked?” tweeted another.
The Foreigner, which also stars former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan, is set to hit cinemas later this year.
