Conspiracy theories are as old as time itself, but this is a new one. 5G conspiracy theorists in the United Kingdom are setting fire to 5G masts due to their belief that 5G causes the COVID-19 coronavirus. WTF, right?
Yep, the same fun folks that believe 5G controls minds and kills birds now believe 5G is causing the coronavirus pandemic. The BBC reports that at least three 5G masts have been set on fire.
There have been fires at masts in Birmingham, Liverpool and Melling in Merseyside.
A video, allegedly of the blaze in Aigburth, was shared on YouTube and Facebook, claiming a link between the mobile technology and Covid-19
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Merseyside Police said an investigation is under way after the telecommunications box in Aigburth caught fire on Friday. A video of what appears to be the incident, which happened shortly after 22:00 BST, was shared on YouTube
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Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said it is also investigating a blaze it extinguished at a 5G mast in the village of Melling, north of Liverpool, on Friday night.
West Midlands Fire Service said the fire in Birmingham involved a 70ft tower on a telecommunications site.
While not all of the fires have been confirmed to be arson, this seems likely, due to calls from conspiracists to do just that.
The fires have spurred the four main UK cellular carriers to issue a firm but polite statement, asking folks to not burn down cellular towers, asking witnesses of such act of stupidity to please report such incidents to police, and attempting to challenge the disinformation on the subject that’s being posted on social media. (Via The Verge)
Our networks provide essential connectivity to our emergency services and the NHS; they enable families to check in on their isolated or vulnerable loved ones; parents to teach their children from home; and millions to be informed and entertained as they stay home
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Sadly, we have experienced cases of vandals setting fire to mobile masts, disrupting critical infrastructure and spreading false information suggesting a connection between 5G and the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no scientific evidence of any link between 5G and coronavirus.
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Please help us to make this stop. If you witness abuse of our key workers please report it. If you see misinformation, please call it out. Your help will make a real difference.
Thank you for your support as we work together to keep our nation connected.
Vodafone confirmed to The Verge that four cell towers were targeted in a 24-hour period on Friday. EE said that one tower in Birmingham didn’t provide 5G services but was set ablaze anyway.
(Via 9to5Mac)
