In recent days, several misleading stories and images regarding a collapse incident at Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge have gained traction on social media platforms. The Associated Press (AP) took the initiative to debunk these unfounded claims, which have circulated widely and misrepresented the facts surrounding the event. A key false narrative emerged claiming video footage showing a significant explosion was related to the bridge collapse. However, this video actually dates back to 2022 and depicts an explosion on the Kerch Bridge in Crimea, not the Key Bridge.
The erroneous video, a 15-second clip depicting an explosive event on a bridge, went viral after the Key Bridge collapsed due to a collision with the container ship Dali, which lost power and struck one of its pillars. Despite some social media users attributing the footage to the recent disaster, it was initially circulated on Russian Telegram channels as security footage from the Kerch Bridge explosion, which was a significant structure in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The recent incident at the Key Bridge saw divers recovering two bodies of workers who had plunged into the water when the bridge collapsed, while the search for others continues.
In the aftermath of the bridge incident, misinformation also emerged regarding the nationality of the Dali’s captain. Online claims suggest that the captain was Ukrainian; however, this has been proven false. A maritime agency’s database noted that a Ukrainian individual had served as the ship’s captain in 2016, but at the time of the collision, the captain was of Indian nationality. The ship was aided by two U.S. pilots who were navigating it out of Baltimore when the accident occurred.
Moreover, social media users have erroneously connected the unfortunate death of Angela Chao, the sister-in-law of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, to the ship’s ownership. Claims that she was the CEO of the company operating the Dali have been shown to be incorrect. While Chao held significant positions in her family’s shipping business, the container ship is actually owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd. This false narrative that attempts to tie Chao’s tragic death to the bridge collapse is rooted in conspiracy theories rather than fact.
Several posts on social media have even insinuated a deliberate connection between Chao’s death and the bridge incident, questioning the circumstances of her passing in an accident involving intoxication. Investigations concluded it to be an unfortunate accident. Meanwhile, there have been no indications of terrorism linked to the bridge collapse; authorities, including the FBI, have ruled out such motives in their inquiries.
In conclusion, while the events surrounding the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse are tragic, it is crucial to sift through the maze of misinformation accompanying them. As seen in several instances during this incident, false narratives can take root quickly on social media, sparking confusion and fear. The AP’s fact-checking efforts serve as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before sharing it in the public domain and highlight the need for responsible media consumption in times of crisis.