3 Killed After Google Maps Leads Car to Unfinished Flyover in Uttar Pradesh
3 Killed After Google Maps Leads Car to Unfinished Flyover in Uttar Pradesh
Incident highlights the dangers of over-reliance on GPS navigation systems and lack of safety measures.
Three men lost their lives in a tragic accident in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly after their car, guided by Google Maps, fell off an unfinished flyover into the Ramganga River. The victims were on their way to a wedding when the GPS directed them onto the under-construction bridge, police confirmed.
The Incident
The accident occurred on Saturday night as the victims, identified as Vivek, Amit, and an unidentified third individual, traveled from Gurugram to Bareilly. Their car mistakenly drove onto the incomplete bridge, unaware of the danger, and plunged 50 feet into the river below.
The wreckage was discovered by locals the following morning, who immediately informed the authorities. The police arrived at the scene, retrieved the bodies, and sent them for post-mortem examinations.
Bareilly police reported that at around 9:30 am, locals discovered a damaged car in the Ramganga River and alerted them. Upon investigation, they found that the vehicle, possibly a hired Wagon R taxi, had fallen off the incomplete bridge. Two victims were identified as Vivek and Amit, while efforts are ongoing to identify the third deceased individual.
The families of the victims expressed anger and blamed local authorities for negligence. They raised concerns about why the bridge was left unfinished without proper warnings or barricades, as well as the lack of safety signage that could have prevented the accident. They demanded an FIR be lodged against the construction department for their failure to implement basic safety precautions.
The incident also underscores the risks of over-relying on GPS navigation systems, which can sometimes direct users to unsafe or unverified routes. Google Maps, while widely used, is not always updated with real-time data about under-construction roads or infrastructure gaps.
Following the tragedy, calls for stricter safety protocols have intensified, including the installation of barricades and clear warning signs at construction sites. Ensuring GPS mapping services are updated with information about incomplete or closed roads and holding relevant authorities accountable for negligence in public safety have also become pressing demands.
The tragedy has sparked discussions on social media about the dual responsibility of navigation tools and local infrastructure authorities to prevent such accidents. The incident serves as a grim reminder for travelers to remain cautious and cross-verify routes when using GPS systems in unfamiliar areas.
