AI Image Deceives Thousands After Bangladesh Plane Crash
A Tragic Event and The Viral Deception
In the wake of a tragic plane crash in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on July 21, 2025, a dramatic and unsettling image began to circulate online. The picture, showing a large airplane lodged in the side of a modern skyscraper, was shared widely on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram with captions like, "Pray for all the students at Milestone School and College. May you be safe."
However, this powerful image is a work of fiction, generated by artificial intelligence, and it does not represent the real events that unfolded.
Fact vs. Fiction: The Real Crash Site
The real disaster involved a Bangladeshi fighter jet that crashed into the private Milestone School and College. The incident tragically killed 34 people, most of whom were children, and injured over 170 others as classes were ending for the day (archived link).
Contrary to the viral AI image, authentic photos from the crash site taken by AFP clearly show that the school building is a two-storey structure, not the high-rise depicted in the fake visual. The images document the actual devastation at the school.
Expert Analysis Reveals AI's Tell-Tale Signs
To confirm the image's origins, AFP consulted with Siwei Lyu, director of the Media Forensic Lab at the University at Buffalo. Lyu's analysis concluded that the image has "a high likelihood of being AI-generated" (archived link).
Lyu pointed out several key inconsistencies that are common hallmarks of AI-made images:
- Unnatural Physics: The plane's position is physically impossible. It appears to be floating rather than tipping or twisting under its own weight.
- Lack of Damage: There is no corresponding damage or debris on the ground below the point of impact.
- Inconsistent Details: The window grid on the building is inconsistent and warped, a common AI error.
"These are clear signs of AI generation," Lyu stated on July 25, 2025.
The Persistent Challenge of AI Misinformation
This incident is a stark reminder of how easily AI-generated content can be used to spread misinformation, especially during breaking news events. Despite rapid advancements in AI, these tools still produce telltale visual errors that can help discerning viewers spot a fake.
AFP Fact Check has continued to debunk misinformation related to the Bangladesh fighter jet crash, with further analysis available here and here.
