Misleading Video of Chongqing Shopping Centre Collapse Goes Viral
A video that falsely claims to show the roof of an airport collapsing in Chongqing has gained significant attention, garnering over 3.3 million views on social media. In reality, the footage depicts a section of the ceiling collapsing at the Paradise Walk shopping centre during heavy rainfall on July 8, 2025.
The misleading clip was shared widely on platforms including X, with captions suggesting it showcased an airport disaster. One post even included a jab at Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, referencing his statement that “China is 10 years ahead” of India. The video shows water pouring onto the floor as a section of the ceiling gives way, prompting shoppers to step back in alarm.
As extreme weather continues to impact many regions of China, the downpours have forced the evacuation of 556 people in Chongqing alone. Reports indicate that the heavy rains have also caused landslides in nearby Sichuan province. The official post from the Paradise Walk shopping centre confirmed that the ceiling collapse was indeed due to the sudden heavy rainfall, adding that there were no reported injuries.
Clarification on the Incident
On July 8, netizens began sharing the video, which was later traced back to a post by Sanxiang Metropolis Daily on Weibo, confirming the incident occurred at the shopping centre’s B1 floor. Similar clips circulating on Weibo and Douyin corroborate this information, stating they were filmed at the same location.
As of July 25, there have been no reports of any roof collapses at airports in Chongqing, dispelling the misinformation that has circulated online. A reverse image search using keyframes from the video revealed its origins, further validating that the footage had been misrepresented.
The Paradise Walk shopping centre has stated that all shoppers were promptly evacuated from the area after the incident, ensuring their safety amid the chaotic situation.
This incident underscores the importance of verifying information before sharing, especially during times of extreme weather when the public is vulnerable to misinformation. As extreme rainfall continues to batter parts of China, authorities urge residents to stay informed through credible sources.
