FACT CHECK: Does Image Show Fire That Broke Out At Traffic Accident?
A post shared on social media purportedly shows an image of a recent massive traffic accident that left 135 people dead.
BRЕAKING NEVVS! Horrific accident. At least 135 people have died after a truck collided with a bus!𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰 📷 pic.twitter.com/fw9pilyMBP
— Susan Ives (@jibler72) October 21, 2024
Verdict: False
The image is from a 2021 building fire.
Fact Check:
The Chicago City Hall was evacuated on Wednesday due to a fire, no structural damage was reported, WGN 9 reported. A fire broke out in a third-floor records room, people were “evaluated,” but the fire was deemed an accident, according to the outlet.
A post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, allegedly shows an accident that killed over 100 people. The image shows several cars parked near a large plume of smoke.
The caption reads, “BRЕAKING NEVVS! Horrific accident. At least 135 people have died after a truck collided with a bus!𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰.”
The claim is inaccurate. The image dates back to 2021. The X user later posted an update claiming it was a fire at a Chemtool Inc. facility. The user also linked an article from local outlet 13 WREX that details the incident. Many agencies responded to the fire and evacuations within a mile radius took place.
As I have been on scene, the building has slowly become engulfed in flames. The west side of the building has begun to crumble. pic.twitter.com/0NPd2DsQxY
— Maggie Polsean (@MaggieRaeRose) June 14, 2021
13 WREX shared a video of the fire on their Facebook page. The caption reads, “MASSIVE COMMERICAL FIRE: Fire crews battle a massive fire at Chemtool Incorporated in Rockton.”
CNN reported on the fire at the time saying that the incident occurred in Rockton, Illinois, at a chemical plant. The report confirmed that the 70 employees were able to escape the blaze. (RELATED: Viral X Video Shows Earthquake In Taiwan, Not California)
Check Your Fact did not find any news reports that covered a recent traffic accident that killed 135 people.
This is not the first time misinformation has circulated online. Check Your Fact recently debunked a claim Canada banned Trump from entering the country.
