When a Bus Became a Plane — and a Driver Became a Legend

In December of 1952, an extraordinary and daring act took place that would go down in history as one of the most incredible feats of driver courage and quick thinking. Tower Bridge in London, a majestic and iconic landmark, was in the process of being lifted to allow a ship to pass through beneath it. However, a No. 78 double-decker bus was already halfway across the bridge. The scene was set for what could have been a disaster.

For most drivers, the natural instinct would have been to slam on the brakes, bringing the bus to a halt before the rising gap could widen any further. But Albert Gunter, the bus driver in question, did not do what most would expect. Instead, with a split-second decision that would become legendary, he did the unthinkable: he accelerated.

With 20 passengers on board, Gunter hit the gas and propelled the bus over the widening gap, launching it into the air as though it were an aircraft taking off. The double-decker bus soared over the opening in the bridge, crossing to the other side in a heart-stopping moment of sheer audacity. However, upon landing, the bus crashed down hard on the opposite side, causing Albert Gunter to break his leg. Miraculously, despite the intense impact, all 20 passengers survived, largely unscathed.

This breathtaking moment was not the result of special effects or a carefully choreographed stunt. There were no CGI tricks or stunt doubles involved — just one driver’s fearless decision in a split second, coupled with an astonishing amount of courage. Albert Gunter’s quick reflexes and nerves of steel in the face of an imminent disaster turned him into an unlikely hero and made him the subject of legend.

In the years that followed, this incident would be recounted countless times as an example of audacity and quick thinking. Albert Gunter’s action wasn’t just a random moment of rashness, but a remarkable testament to human bravery and resourcefulness. He became a local hero, and the story of the No. 78 bus, which seemed to defy the laws of physics that day, was shared as a remarkable feat of driving prowess and sheer nerve.

This incredible moment also sparked a debate about safety and risk-taking in the world of transportation. It was clear that Gunter’s decision had been a risky one, but the outcome — one that had avoided tragedy — underscored the unpredictability of life and the sometimes thin line between disaster and triumph.

Today, the story remains a fascinating chapter in London’s history, and Albert Gunter is remembered not just as a bus driver but as a man who made an unforgettable split-second decision that would define his legacy. His legendary stunt is often mentioned in discussions about acts of extraordinary bravery, highlighting a rare moment when one individual’s courage turned an ordinary day into something truly remarkable.

This event continues to captivate the imagination of many, both for the daring nature of the act and the incredible luck that ensured no lives were lost. While many may question the wisdom of such a high-risk decision, the story of Albert Gunter is a powerful reminder of the human capacity for quick thinking under pressure and the often surprising outcomes that follow.

Sources:

• BBC History – Article on iconic moments in British transportation history

• The Independent – Feature on legendary London drivers

• London Transport Museum – Archival records of significant incidents involving public transport