A video error? The truth behind the bridge clip

The common claim

Shortly after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, a video is circulating that supposedly shows the accident from a new perspective. This video is spreading very quickly on social networks, especially on X (formerly Twitter), and is causing confusion. It is claimed that this video shows the actual incident. But is that really true?

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The fact check

A close look at the authentic video footage of the Baltimore bridge collapse shows that no explosion is seen in this incident. In contrast, the now viral video shows a clear explosion destroying part of the bridge. This discrepancy already suggests that these must be two different events. Further research using Google reverse image searches confirms that the viral video actually shows the Crimean Bridge explosion in October 2022 .

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Unlike the video from Baltimore, in which the middle of the bridge falls into the water, the Crimean Bridge's foundation was not damaged in the explosion. Additionally, the characteristic white steel structures of the Crimean Bridge are missing from the Baltimore video. Geographical and structural differences such as the steep incline of the Crimean Bridge compared to the flat construction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge also confirm that they are two different structures.

Deeper insights

This confusion highlights the importance of critical media literacy. Viral video of a previous event was misrepresented as a current incident in Baltimore, leading to confusion and possibly incorrect conclusions about the causes and consequences of the bridge collapse. This shows how quickly misinformation can spread and the importance of verifying sources before sharing information. The differences in the construction and condition of the two after the accident were important indicators that debunked the hoax.

Context on the importance of the bridges

Both the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore and the Crimean Bridge play important strategic and cultural roles in their region. The Francis Scott Key Bridge, named after the composer of the American national anthem, is an integral part of Baltimore's infrastructure and symbolizes the city's industrial strength and historical significance.

Their destruction would not only affect the local economy, but also a piece of American history. The Crimean Bridge, the longest in Russia, connects the annexed Crimean peninsula with mainland Russia and serves as a vital artery for people and goods. Its construction following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 was seen as a show of force and has both strategic and symbolic significance in the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The destruction or damage to one of these bridges therefore has not only immediate practical consequences, but also a symbolic meaning that goes beyond the immediate region and has a deep impact on the cultural and political fabric of the countries affected.

Technical details

The structural differences between the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore and the Crimean Bridge provide insights that are critical to distinguishing the two structures. The Francis Scott Key Bridge, a suspension bridge, is characterized by long support cables that are stretched between high pylons and hold the roadway in the middle. This construction enables large spans to be bridged while at the same time offering a certain degree of flexibility against wind and traffic loads.

In contrast, the Crimean Bridge combines elements of a beam and cable-stayed bridge, with particular attention to stability under extreme weather conditions and military threats. Its construction consists of several sections, of which an elevated section with a steep slope is unique. These technical details are not only interesting from an engineering perspective, but also explain why the two bridges have different visual profiles and load-bearing capacities. Knowing these differences helps assess the authenticity of the footage and highlights the importance of close scrutiny when investigating reports of structural damage or disaster.

questions and answers

Question 1: Does the viral video actually show the Baltimore Bridge collapsing?
Answer 1: No, the video actually shows the Crimean Bridge explosion in 2022.

Question 2: Why doesn't the video show the Baltimore Bridge collapsing?
Answer 2: The video shows an explosion, whereas there was no explosion in the Baltimore collapse.

Question 3: What are the visual differences between the bridges in the videos?
Answer 3: The Crimean Bridge features white steel structures and a steep slope, which are missing from the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

Question 4: How important is checking sources in such cases?
Answer 4: Very important because false information spreads quickly and can lead to misunderstandings.

Question 5: What does this case say about the role of social media in disseminating information?
Answer 5: It shows that social media can be a powerful tool, but can also lead to the rapid spread of misinformation.

Conclusion

This case highlights the need for critical handling of information, especially in times of crisis. It is important to carefully review sources and rely on reliable reports to avoid misinformation. Be careful when sharing information and contribute to an informed society.

Source: APA

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