Tragedy in Uttar Pradesh: Google Maps Linked to Fatal Accident
A tragic incident occurred in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, claiming the lives of three young men. Late at night, a car carrying travelers who relied on electronic navigation plunged off a partially destroyed bridge over the Ramganga River. The apparent cause: Google Maps. The driver and two passengers were following the app’s directions, which did not reflect the actual condition of the infrastructure. The bridge, damaged months earlier by severe flooding, was under reconstruction, but there were no warning signs or barriers in place.
“We found an ID card from a security company in Gurgaon in the car,” reported Faridpur police chief Rahul Singh. The victims were identified as Nitin Kumar (30), his cousins Ajit Kumar (35) and Amit Kumar (30). Nitin and Ajit, residents of Farrukhabad, worked as drivers for a security firm, while Amit, a distant relative, was from Mainpuri. The bodies were sent for autopsy, and their families have been notified of the tragedy.
Navigation Error and Lack of Warnings
Local authorities determined that the group was traveling from Gurgaon to Bareilly. Mobile records confirmed that the navigation system guided them right up to the moment their vehicle fell from a height of ten meters. Relatives of the victims blame both the construction company and the map service developers for the accident.
Unfortunately, such incidents are not uncommon. Just a year earlier, the family of a driver from North Carolina filed a lawsuit against Google, accusing the company of neglecting user safety after a similar tragedy on a long-collapsed bridge that had not been repaired for years.
Growing Concerns Over GPS Navigation Safety
Experts and GPS navigation professionals are increasingly highlighting the risks associated with electronic mapping services. They warn that modern navigation systems can pose real dangers, especially when traveling through remote or poorly mapped areas.
Gulab Singh, Deputy Magistrate of Faridpur district, stated, “The bridge is being built by UP State Bridge Corporation Ltd, and the approach road from the Budaun side was open. We have launched an investigation, and those responsible will be held accountable.”
Google’s Response and Ongoing Investigation
Google representatives responded quickly to the incident, expressing their deepest condolences to the victims’ families. The company has pledged to cooperate with local law enforcement and thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the tragedy.
The investigation is still ongoing. The inquiry team is working to establish all the details and determine the degree of responsibility of each party involved: the construction company, the map developers, and local safety authorities.