A photograph related to the bus accident that occurred on Thursday night on the Ella–Wellawaya road within the Badulla, Ella Police Division, is being widely shared on social media. The same photograph has also been published by mainstream and online media outlets. Specifically, Factseeker observed that this photo was published on the front page of the Virakesari newspaper on Saturday (06.09.2025), on page three of the Thinakkural weekly on Sunday,(07.09.2025), and alongside the news of the accident on the Lankaleader website 

Upon examining the photograph, Factseeker found that it contained several false elements, leading to the conclusion that it is a fake image created using AI technology.

The AI-generated photograph being shared is presented below : 

When analyzing the characteristics of this photograph

1. Geographical Location: 

The geographical location of the accident site, specifically the section of the Ella–Wellawaya main road between the 23rd and 24th kilometers, looks completely different from the AI-generated photograph. The photo shows a steep cliff, whereas actual videos of the area do not show such a steep drop.

2. Rescue Personnel:

The attire of the disaster response team members in the AI photo, who are shown engaged in rescue operations, does not resemble the uniforms of Sri Lankan disaster management groups. Real videos from the incident show that the military personnel involved in protecting the public wore different uniforms.

3. Ambulances:

There are significant differences between the emergency medical vehicles (ambulances) shown in the AI-generated photograph and the actual videos taken at the scene of the incident.

4.Lighting:

Mainstream media reported that the accident occurred around 9:30 PM, and videos shared by people at the scene show that it was nighttime. However, the AI-generated photograph depicts the scene with daylight.

5. Spectators:

The photograph, which is being shared as a picture taken at the accident site, shows spectators standing around, with some inappropriately positioned on top of trees.

Therefore, this photograph is unnatural and inconsistent with the actual events of the disaster.

For further confirmation, a check with HIVE MODERATION to see if the image was created using AI tools also confirmed that it is an AI-generated photograph.

Accordingly, Factseeker confirms that this photograph, which is being shared on mainstream media, social media, and websites, is a fake image created by AI. Factseeker requests that mainstream media verify such photos before publishing them