Hoax bridge-collapse image halts Lancashire trains and safety checks

A false AI-generated image claiming a bridge collapse sparked safety checks caused temporary train delays across Lancashire before the line reopened.

A false, AI-generated image circulated online, claiming severe damage to Carlisle Bridge in Lancaster and prompting emergency safety checks on a key rail route. The incident followed a nighttime earthquake felt across Lancashire and the southern Lake District on Wednesday.

Network Rail reported spotting the image around 00:30 GMT and paused services on the affected section while engineers conducted safety inspections. The line was fully reopened around 02:00 GMT, and authorities urged people not to share unverified material that could disrupt travel.

An INLIBER journalist used an AI chatbot to analyse the image and highlighted typical signs of manipulation, underscoring the risk of misinformation online.

British Transport Police said they were aware of the situation but there was no ongoing investigation at the moment.

Network Rail said 32 services, including passenger and freight trains, were delayed due to the hoax. Some trains were stopped or slowed during checks, while others were delayed because earlier services were still on the line. Because the West Coast Main Line runs a long distance, delays could affect trains as far north as Scotland.

Railway analyst Tony Miles noted that given the late-night timing, very few passengers were likely affected since most services at that hour were freight or sleeper trains, which travel slowly. He warned that mobilising inspection teams could tie up resources for days and urged people to consider how hoaxes harm real people, such as those needing medical appointments, flights, or funerals.

A Network Rail spokesperson said hoaxes create unnecessary delays that cost taxpayers and add to the workload of frontline staff, who work hard to keep the railway running safely.

The public is reminded to verify information with official sources before sharing online to prevent disruption.

Summary: A manipulated image led to a temporary halt on a major rail line, delaying 32 services. Reopening occurred within two hours, but the incident shows how quickly online hoaxes can disrupt travel and burden frontline staff. People are urged to fact-check before sharing.