AI-generated fake video of Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge collapse causes public panic
An individual used AI to generate a fake video of the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon glass bridge collapsing and posted it on social media, causing widespread panic. Police detained the person on suspicion of fabricating and intentionally spreading false information, and the video was removed from circulation.
What happened
On 26 April 2026, a 13-second video was posted showing the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon glass bridge collapsing with tourists running and falling, accompanied by sounds of collapse and screams and text stating 'don't bother going out to play, it's safer at home'.
The video was generated using AI technology based on a photograph Ma Moumou had taken at the site ten years earlier. Ma Moumou created the video after seeing another viral video of a glass cable car collapse that was made with AI, and wanted to produce a similar video to gain views and engagement.
By 29 April, four days after posting, the video had 15,000 likes and over 11,000 shares. On 30 April, the video was reported and removed; on 1 May, Ma Moumou reposted images from the video.
Reported impact
The fabricated video caused public panic by spreading false information about a safety incident at a popular tourist destination.
Index analysis
The incident demonstrates the potential for AI-generated synthetic media to spread rapidly on social platforms and cause real harm through dissemination of false information about public safety.
Governance controls
The video was taken down on 30 April following user reports. All related false videos were subsequently removed from circulation.
Ma Moumou was detained by police on suspicion of fabricating and intentionally spreading false information.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.