Last Updated on July 19, 2024 by Nivedita
Quick Take
Social media users are sharing an image of CNN reporting where the headline reads Coronavirus killed two people in meth lab explosion. We fact-checked and found that the claim is false.
The Claim
“BREAKING NEWS: CORONA VIRUS KILLS TWO IN METH LAB EXPLOSION,” reads the headline of a TV news screenshot that showed a burned down house. The post has been shared on Facebook and Instagram. A screenshot is given below.
Fact Check
Is the photo real?
No. The image is an altered photo.
A quick Google Reverse image search reveals that the image is old and is in circulation since early 2020.
A search on the CNN website shows no reports similar to the news screenshot. An official from CNN further confirmed to USA Today that the image is is fake.
The photo seems like a sarcastic take on the Coronavirus death numbers with a conspiracy theory that the numbers are inflated. It is also available on a few meme making websites.