When Mark Arby posted on X (formerly Twitter) with pictures of a bus crash that had just happened, he expected it to have some response – but it went viral in ways he could never have expected.
Mark (@markarby) posted pictures of a yellow double decker bus that had crashed into a building near Tottenham Court Road Station in London, England, adding that the emergency services were in attendance.
The post was newsworthy enough as it had just occurred and was likely to cause traffic problems in the area – plus it wasn’t known if there were casualties.
Sure enough, journalists from various English newspapers, TV stations and websites caught site of the post, which had been retweeted numerous times, and asked Mark if they could use his pictures, if they credited him. This is standard procedure for breaking news stories where someone on the ground has taken a picture before a journalist or camera crew has had chance to get to the scene.
Initially, Mark was happy to acquiesce to the requests, until a journalist from right-wing news channel GB News got in touch. Evidently not a fan of the station, Mark responded: “No. I don’t want anything to do with GB News. You don’t have my permission.”
This response amused some people – and then it took off in the most unexpected way, with multiple people piling in with joke questions about using the pictures, and Mark played along with it all.
For instance, @DiscipleofTron asked: “Hi Mark, hope you are ok. Is it okay if I take this image and use it as promotional imaging for my new album I’m releasing?”
Mark responded: “That will depend on how my negotiations with Beyonce goes as she asked first. I hope you’re OK too.”
Even stars got involved. TV and radio presenter Rylan asked: “Hi mark id like to buy you this bus, with full credit to me. Thanks.”
Mark replied that he would pass on the offer because he prefers to walk “but you always deserve any credit you receive.”
And, in the best British comedy tradition, it got surreal too. @MattBidewell added: “Hi Bus, would I be able to use your Mark in our coverage?” (“Genius!” Mark replied).
The British way of making humor out of a potentially serious situation remains undimmed.
Not sure how it happened but a bus crashed into a building near Tottenham Court Road Station. Police, Fire Brigade and ambulance in attendance. pic.twitter.com/1fPopjMrx8
— Mark Arby (@markarby) March 5, 2024
