A suspected AI-generated image showing false damage to a railway bridge halted 32 trains following an earthquake in Lancashire and the southern Lake District. The BBC reports that Network Rail stopped services across Carlisle Bridge in Lancaster at 00:30 GMT on Thursday after the manipulated picture appeared on social media.
A BBC journalist analysed the image using an AI chatbot, which identified signs of manipulation. Services resumed at 02:00 GMT after safety inspections confirmed no damage.
Network Rail criticised the hoax for causing unnecessary delays and costs. “The disruption caused by the creation and sharing of hoax images and videos like this creates a completely unnecessary delay to passengers at a cost to the taxpayer,” a spokesperson states.
Railway expert Tony Miles warns such incidents impact frontline teams for days and could affect people attending medical appointments or funerals.
British Transport Police confirmed no ongoing investigation.
