In a harrowing incident in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, three lives were lost after a car, reportedly guided by Google Maps, veered off an under-construction bridge and plunged into the Ramganga River. The victims, Vivek, Amit, and an unidentified passenger, were en route to a wedding when their journey turned fatal. Authorities revealed that the incomplete flyover lacked essential barricades or signage, leaving drivers unaware of the danger.
The tragedy unfolded when the car, following navigation prompts, reached the abrupt end of the flyover and fell approximately 50 feet into the river. Locals discovered the mangled vehicle the next morning, prompting police intervention to recover the bodies and launch an investigation.
Family Demands Accountability
Distraught relatives of the deceased accused local authorities of negligence, demanding answers for the absence of safety measures. “This is gross negligence. How can an incomplete bridge be left without warnings? Authorities must take responsibility for these preventable deaths,” lamented a family member.
Larger Concerns on Tech and Infrastructure
This incident sheds light on the dual failure of urban planning and technology reliance. A police spokesperson confirmed that investigations are underway, focusing on both the lack of infrastructure safeguards and the reliability of digital navigation systems.
The case echoes a similar tragedy in North Carolina, where Philip Paxson died after Google Maps directed him onto a collapsed bridge. His family has since filed a lawsuit against Google for failing to act on reported inaccuracies in their maps. Google responded, expressing sympathy and stating their commitment to providing accurate routing information.
The Bareilly mishap serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by inadequate infrastructure and overreliance on GPS technology. Experts are calling for stricter safety protocols and more rigorous map accuracy standards to prevent such avoidable tragedies.
Call for Reforms
With digital navigation becoming a primary tool for drivers, it is imperative for tech companies and authorities to collaborate, ensuring that routes are not only convenient but also safe.
