London Bus Explosion On Lambeth Bridge Was Actually Stunt For Latest Jackie Chan Film

London Double Decker Exploding On Bridge Isn't What It Seems
|

A double decker bus dramatically exploded in the heart of London, alarming people nearby – but it turned out to be a film stunt rather than a terror attack.

Londoners were left confused as they saw the bus go up in flames as it drove along Lambeth Bridge in central London on Sunday.

A spokesman for the Port of London Authority confirmed it was a stunt for a film and that the bridge was closed off, The Press Association reports.

Lambeth Bus Bridge Explosion
(01 of10)
Open Image Modal
A bus explodes on Lambeth Bridge yesterday. (credit:WENN.com)
(02 of10)
Open Image Modal
The scenes were filmed for Jackie Chan's new movie 'The Foreigner' (credit:WENN.com)
(03 of10)
Open Image Modal
The explosion rips through the bus. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Wire)
(04 of10)
Open Image Modal
Debris flew everywhere during the controlled explosion. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Wire)
(05 of10)
Open Image Modal
Smoke and debris was scattered across the bridge on Sunday afternoon. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Wire)
(06 of10)
Open Image Modal
A bus after it exploded on Lambeth Bridge in London during filming for Jackie Chan's new film The Foreigner. (credit:R.M.T. /WENN.com)
(07 of10)
Open Image Modal
The empty shell of the bus sits on Lambeth bridge. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Wire)
(08 of10)
Open Image Modal
The pyrotechnics can be seen in the aftermath. (credit:R.M.T. /WENN.com)
(09 of10)
Open Image Modal
The Foreigner is an upcoming action-thriller film directed by Martin Campbell. (credit:R.M.T. /WENN.com)
(10 of10)
Open Image Modal
Ambulance crews were on the scene during the explosion. (credit:R.M.T. /WENN.com)

But the scene took some by surprise.

Author Sophie Kinsella wrote on Twitter: "Hey film types, next time you blow up a bus on Lambeth Bridge maybe tell us first so children in park aren't freaked?"

She added the explosion "looked very real".

Conservative MP for Mid Worcestershire Nigel Huddleston posted a video of the explosion on Twitter with the message: "Anyone worried about the exploding bus on Lambeth Bridge just now? It was just for a movie."

The controlled explosion was shot for a scene in new action flick The Foreigner, starring Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan.

In a notice warning residents about it, film producers described the film as a "gritty action thriller". It is directed by Martin Campbell, who was behind James Bond films Casino Royale and GoldenEye.

The notice, posted on Twitter, stated: "The explosion is controlled and operated by our special effects team."

It added: "Every precaution will be taken to ensure the safety of the people in the area."