In a recent incident, three Indian citizens tragically drowned after Google Maps directed them over a collapsed bridge, leading their vehicle to plunge into the water.
A car, reportedly being navigated using Google Maps, plunged off an unfinished bridge, leading to the tragic death of the driver and two passengers.
According to reports , the victims included a security vehicle driver and two passengers, all Indian citizens, who lost their lives late Saturday night after the car fell from an incomplete bridge. Reports suggest that the passengers were relying on Google Maps for directions between two cities, but the navigation system mistakenly guided them onto the collapsed bridge. Local residents discovered the vehicle at the base of the bridge on Sunday morning, uncovering the fatalities.
Police reported that the accident occurred late at night, which delayed rescue efforts. The victims were trapped inside the car after the fall, as no emergency responders or bystanders were present at the time. Local authorities used boats to retrieve the bodies from the scene, and their identities were confirmed through their smartphones.
The police further claimed that the passengers were actively using Google Maps before the tragedy. The vehicle belonged to an Indian security company, and one of the passengers worked as the driver. The other two were reportedly acquaintances of the driver and were accompanying him to attend a wedding ceremony.
Was Google Maps Responsible for the Incident?
In an interview, the brother of one of the victims stated that the passengers were checking their route using Google Maps when their vehicle suddenly plunged off the unfinished bridge. He attributed the tragedy not only to Google Maps but also to local authorities for failing to install barricades or warning signs to block access to the damaged bridge. At the request of the victims’ families, police investigations are currently underway to determine the primary cause of the accident.
Local officials explained that the bridge had been damaged during a recent flood and was under repair due to partial collapse. However, further details from Indian authorities have yet to be released, making it unclear to what extent Google Maps contributed to the incident. Google has not yet issued an official statement regarding the accident or its surrounding controversies.
While the official cause of death has not been confirmed, police reports suggest that drowning was the likely reason behind the fatalities.