Google Maps Leads Tourists into Kerala Stream; Car Sinks, Passengers Rescued

A group of tourists from Hyderabad encountered a harrowing experience when their reliance on Google Maps led them into a swollen stream near Kuruppanthara in Kerala’s Kottayam district. 

The incident, which occurred late Friday night, saw the four-member group, including a woman, accidentally drive into the water due to heavy rains and an overflowing stream.

The tourists were en route to Alappuzha and were unfamiliar with the area, relying on Google Maps for navigation. As the road was submerged, they inadvertently drove into the stream. Fortunately, local residents and a police patrol swiftly intervened, rescuing all four passengers unharmed. However, their vehicle sank in the water, and efforts are underway to retrieve it.

This incident is reminiscent of a tragic event in October 2023, when two young doctors died after allegedly following Google Maps directions and driving into a river in Kerala. In response to that accident, the Kerala police issued warnings and guidelines for using GPS technology during the rainy season to prevent similar mishaps.

An officer from the Kaduthuruthy police station confirmed, “Efforts are on to pull out the vehicle.”