Blast caused by firecrackers, CCTV video falsely viral as battery-powered scooty explods

by Priyanka Jha

A CCTV video of a scooty suddenly exploding was shared with the claim that the blast happened because the two-wheeler was battery-powered. (Archive link)

Several users shared the visuals on Facebook with the same claim.

Alt News received numerous requests to fact-check the video on our WhatsApp helpline number (+91 76000 11160) and mobile application.

Fact-check

We performed a keyword search which led us to media reports from November 5 that said the explosion was triggered by firecrackers. India TV reported that the incident took place on Diwali when a man and his son were riding a two-wheeler carrying a bundle of firecrackers. Both died in the blast along with three others who were riding close by.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPG2qaLbWsM]

Hindustan Times reported that the incident took place at 1:35 pm between Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. NDTV also carried a report where the investigating officer was quoted as saying that the explosion may have been sparked due to the friction and pressure caused by the bundle of firecrackers being tied tightly. He added that the firecrackers had been manufactured legally and identified the victims as 35-year-old Kalainesan and his seven-year-old son Pradesh.

Furthermore, we did not find any other reports corroborating the viral claim about the explosion being triggered by a battery-powered scooter.

About the Author

She specializes in information verification, examining mis/disinformation, social media monitoring and platform accountability. Her aim is to make the internet a safer place and enable people to become informed social media users. She has been a part of Alt News since 2018.