Fake Videos Flood Social Media After Air India Flight Crash, Govt Flags Misinformation
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Ahmedabad Plane Crash: PIB flagged multiple viral videos falsely linked to the crash, urging the public to rely only on official updates and helpline numbers.
In the aftermath of the devastating Air India Flight AI-171 crash near Ahmedabad, which killed over 200 people, Press Information Bureau issued a stern warning against the circulation of fake videos and misinformation on social media platforms. The government's fact-checking arm flagged multiple viral videos falsely linked to the crash, urging the public to rely only on official updates and helpline numbers.
One of the videos being widely shared claims to show the final moments inside Flight AI-171 before it crashed. However, PIB clarified in a tweet, 'A video is being shared on social media claiming #AirIndia to be of flight AI-171, with the claim that it is the scene just before the plane crash. #PIBFactCheck ❌ This is the claim #फर्जी. In the viral video, a passenger can be heard saying 'Air India Express', making it clear that the video is not related to Air India flight AI-171."
Another video circulating online shows a building engulfed in flames, which many users falsely attributed to the crash site in Ahmedabad. PIB debunked this claim as well, saying:
'This video is actually of a fire that took place in a building in Dwarka, Delhi. Please ignore rumours and trust only information from official sources."
The PIB also shared verified helpline numbers for those seeking information about passengers and the ongoing investigation. These include emergency contacts from both the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Air India, accessible to callers within and outside India.
As the nation mourns the loss from one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Indian history, PIB emphasised that spreading unverified or false information could further distress families and hamper rescue and investigation efforts. Social media users are urged to verify all claims through government channels and avoid amplifying unconfirmed reports or visuals, it said.
First Published:
June 13, 2025, 20:18 IST
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