On December 30, 1952, a London double-decker bus—Route No. 78—was crossing Tower Bridge when the roadway began to rise unexpectedly.
The driver, Albert Gunter, realized that if he stopped, the bus would plunge into the Thames. Instead, he made a split-second decision: he accelerated.
With 20 terrified passengers on board, the red Routemaster leaped across a three-foot gap as the bridge continued to lift. The front wheels landed safely on the opposite side, though the impact broke the suspension and injured Gunter’s leg.
Miraculously, everyone survived with only minor injuries.
Albert was later rewarded with a £10 bonus for his bravery — roughly £400 today — and became a London legend. His daring leap remains one of the most extraordinary moments in public transport history.
The driver, Albert Gunter, realized that if he stopped, the bus would plunge into the Thames. Instead, he made a split-second decision: he accelerated.
With 20 terrified passengers on board, the red Routemaster leaped across a three-foot gap as the bridge continued to lift. The front wheels landed safely on the opposite side, though the impact broke the suspension and injured Gunter’s leg.
Miraculously, everyone survived with only minor injuries.
Albert was later rewarded with a £10 bonus for his bravery — roughly £400 today — and became a London legend. His daring leap remains one of the most extraordinary moments in public transport history.
InBenjiWeTrust
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