Baltimore, Maryland – A video circulating on social media has sparked false claims regarding the collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore, Maryland. The misleading footage depicts an explosion on a bridge, leading viewers to believe it shows an “alternate angle” of the bridge collapse.
The viral video shows cars moving across a bridge in both directions before a significant explosion occurs. Despite the claims made alongside the video, it does not capture the actual collapse of the bridge.
The confusion surrounding the video comes as the Francis Scott Key bridge collapsed on March 26, 2024, after a Singapore-flagged container ship collided with it. The collision resulted in a number of vehicles landing in the water, leading to ongoing rescue efforts for potentially between seven to 20 individuals.
However, the video in question is actually CCTV footage of an explosion on the Kerch bridge, a bridge connecting the annexed Crimea peninsula with Russia, back in October 2022. Ukraine later took responsibility for the attack, which reportedly caused the partial collapse of two sections of the Kerch bridge.
In contrast to the misleading video, genuine footage of the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse shows no explosion. Instead, the footage captures smoke emanating from the container ship as the bridge collapses onto it.
It is crucial to exercise caution when sharing videos on social media, particularly during global news events, as misinformation and miscaptioned videos can easily spread. Full Fact, a fact-checking organization, frequently identifies and debunks misleading content related to natural disasters, conflicts, and other significant events, emphasizing the importance of verifying sources before sharing information online.
In conclusion, the spread of misinformation through misleading videos highlights the need for critical thinking and fact-checking in the digital age. By scrutinizing the source and content of videos shared online, individuals can contribute to a more informed and accurate discourse.