Twitter declares ITV news on-air evacuation 'the most British thing' they have ever seen
ITV later confirmed the evacuation was prompted by a 'false alarm'.
Viewers watching ITV news' 10pm bulletin were left confused when it was forced off the air mid-show Wednesday (3 January) after a fire alarm went off. Presenter Tom Bradby was left to explain to viewers that the newsroom was evacuating before the broadcast shut off.
"Okay, as you can probably tell we have a fire alarm. We're not quite sure what to do about it, but we think we're going to have to evacuate," Bradby said during the 10pm bulletin.
"Unfortunately these things happen and we have no choice. We'll try to bring you the rest of the news if we can."
The screen then cut off to a sign saying: "We're sorry for the disruption."
Viewers were quick to comment about the evacuation, calling it the "most British thing" many of them had seen.
"That's a very British way of announcing a fire alarm ITV News. 'Right, well I'm awfully sorry, these things happen and we have to evacuate' Just go Tom we don't want you catching fire politely letting the public down on missing the news," tweeted Andy.
ITV News - Tom, youâre being awfully polite, now run along before you have to be rescued. pic.twitter.com/CL6qswZXio
— Aron Johnston (@aronpaul8778) January 3, 2018
Twitter user "liv" added: "ITV news having to evacuate half way through because of a fire drill is the most British thing I've ever seen".
âWeâve got a fire alarm going off in the studio and weâre not sure what to do about itâ
— abs (@abbieshellito) January 4, 2018
only in Britain will you witness the itv news presenter sit there and apologise instead of leaving the building because of a fire
Drama on the ITV news at 10.
— I am the DJ (@IamtheDJ40) January 3, 2018
Fire alarm sounds & ever professional @tombradby tries to keep us informed on the days events.
Tom, get yourself out of there. We can just check the internet for the news.
So the voice over man @itvnews is the real mvp at @ITV. You left him to burn but he's going strong. Most British thing ever. He may burn but he'll apologise whilst he does damn it. #itvnews #itv #Justice4TheVoice #SaveTheVoiceMan
— Joe Francis (@ReturnofKamiNun) January 3, 2018
ITV later confirmed the evacuation was caused by "a false alarm" and confirmed all staff were safe and well.
Just spoken to @tombradby live from the scene of the @itvnews fire drill & can confirm thankfully it was a false alarm & all staff members are safe & well.
— Laura Brander (@laurabrander) January 3, 2018