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Social Media Falsely Links Syrian Explosion Video to Recent Karachi Tragedy
A video purportedly showing a massive explosion in Karachi, Pakistan on the first day of Ramadan has been circulating widely on social media, but fact-checkers have determined the footage actually depicts a fuel tank explosion in Douma, Syria from 2025.
The misleading video, which shows people fleeing in panic amid clouds of dust following an explosion, was shared on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption: “On the first day of Ramzan. A massive explosion occurred on Thursday morning in Karachi’s Old Soldier Bazaar due to a gas leak, killing 16 people, including women and children, and leaving several others injured. #Pakistan.”
While a deadly explosion did occur in Karachi’s Soldier Bazaar neighborhood on February 19, coinciding with the first day of Ramadan, the viral footage is unrelated to this incident. Through reverse image searches and cross-referencing with international news sources, fact-checking organization NewsMeter confirmed the video’s true origin.
The footage actually shows the aftermath of a fuel tanker explosion in Douma, a suburb near Damascus, Syria, that occurred in March 2025. Multiple credible news outlets including Syria TV, Syria Now, TRT Arabic, and Sky News Arabia reported on this incident at that time, clearly establishing the video’s Syrian origin.
This case highlights the increasingly common problem of old or unrelated footage being repurposed to illustrate current events, particularly during breaking news situations. Social media platforms have struggled to contain such misinformation, which can spread rapidly before verification processes can catch up.
The actual Karachi incident, while separate from the viral video, was indeed tragic. According to respected Pakistani newspaper Dawn, a gas explosion caused part of a residential building to collapse in the Soldier Bazaar area on February 19. The blast killed at least 15 people, including women and children, and injured 18 others.
Gas-related explosions have been a recurring safety concern in Pakistan’s urban centers, where aging infrastructure and irregular maintenance practices can create hazardous conditions. The country has witnessed several similar incidents in recent years, prompting calls for stricter safety regulations and better enforcement of existing codes.
The confusion surrounding the viral footage underscores the importance of media literacy and verification in today’s digital landscape. Experts recommend that social media users cross-check information from multiple reliable sources before sharing potentially sensitive or alarming content, especially during crises or breaking news events.
Digital rights advocates have also called for greater accountability from social media platforms in flagging potentially misleading content before it gains widespread attention. Some platforms have implemented fact-checking partnerships and warning labels, though these measures often come after misinformation has already spread significantly.
For news consumers, this incident serves as a reminder to approach viral disaster footage with healthy skepticism and to rely on established news organizations that follow journalistic verification standards when seeking accurate information about current events.
The circulation of this misleading video demonstrates how easily context can be stripped from genuine footage, potentially causing unnecessary alarm or confusion among viewers unfamiliar with the original event.
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16 Comments
The misattribution of this video is concerning, but I’m grateful the fact-checkers were able to determine its true origin. Accurate reporting is crucial, particularly for tragic incidents.
Yes, the diligence of the fact-checkers is commendable. Maintaining transparency and trust in news reporting is so important.
The misattribution of this video is concerning, but I’m glad the fact-checkers were able to trace its true origin. It’s a reminder of the importance of verifying information before sharing, especially for breaking news.
Yes, the fact-checking process is vital to ensuring accurate reporting and preventing the spread of harmful misinformation. Kudos to the diligent researchers who uncovered the truth.
Tragic that this video has been misattributed to the Karachi blast. Important to verify the source and facts, especially for sensitive events. Spreading misinformation, even inadvertently, can cause real harm.
Agreed, verifying information is crucial, especially around tragic incidents. Fact-checking is important to avoid further distress.
It’s unfortunate that this video has been misattributed, but I’m glad the fact-checkers were able to identify the true source. Spreading misinformation, even unintentionally, can have serious consequences.
Agreed, verifying information before sharing is so important, especially for sensitive events. Fact-checking helps prevent the spread of harmful misinformation.
Appreciate the diligence of the fact-checkers in determining the true origin of this video. Transparency and accuracy are vital, especially for breaking news.
Yes, the fact-checking process is crucial to maintaining public trust and providing reliable information.
It’s concerning to see false information circulating on social media about such an event. Fact-checking is essential to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Absolutely, fact-checking is the responsible approach to ensure accurate reporting, especially for sensitive situations.
It’s a shame to see this video being shared with the wrong context. I’m glad the fact-checkers were able to identify the true source and correct the record. Responsible reporting is essential.
Absolutely, fact-checking is crucial to prevent the spread of misinformation, especially around sensitive events. Maintaining accuracy should be a top priority.
It’s unfortunate that this video has been circulated with the wrong context. I appreciate the efforts of the fact-checkers to identify the true source and set the record straight. Maintaining transparency and accuracy in news reporting is crucial.
Agreed, the fact-checkers have done a commendable job in this case. Verifying information before sharing is essential, especially for sensitive events, to avoid causing further distress.