Pictures of the Year: A Picture and its Story
A man jumps off the Tower Bridge in London, United Kingdom, June 1, 2019. Reuters Photographer Alkis Konstantinidis: "I got a call from UK & Ireland Chief Photographer Dylan Martinez. "Welcome to London," he said, and asked me to head to Tower Bridge, where a man had climbed to the top. Access to the bridge was blocked off by the authorities, and a boat of rescuers from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution was on standby, ready to intervene. I made my way through nearby buildings and reached the banks of the Thames, where police were telling onlookers to move back in order to create a "free zone." I had to secure a position where I wouldn't be removed by police but still maintain a clear view. I stood there, eye in the viewfinder, and didn't move for several minutes. Suddenly, we heard a scream, followed by more screams. The man fell into the river. The fall lasted a couple of seconds and a thump echoed as he landed on his back. I didn't expect him to survive that fall with no injuries, but fortunately, as rescuers rushed towards him, he started swimming towards their boat." REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis/File Photo SEARCH "POY STORIES 2019" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
