3 men die after following Google Maps onto unfinished bridge in India
Three men died after their car plunged off an unfinished bridge in Uttar Pradesh, India, following incorrect directions from Google Maps.
The victims, Nitin, Ajit, and Amit Kumar, aged 30 to 35, fell from a height of 50 feet (about 15 metres) into a shallow river on Saturday (23 Nov).
As the accident occurred late at night, they were left without immediate assistance.
It wasn’t until around 9.30am the next day (24 Nov) that locals discovered the car beneath the bridge and alerted the police.
No barricades on road leading to unfinished bridge
The victims’ bodies were recovered by boat and sent for post-mortem examination.
A police officer later checked the victims’ phones and confirmed that they had been using Google Maps, which directed them to the unfinished bridge.
Source: Alessio Merighi on Canva, for illustration purposes only
According to local government official Rahul Singh, the bridge had been washed away in a flood several months ago and was under reconstruction.
However, the road leading to it was left open with no warning signs or barricades.
“We have ordered an investigation, and action will be taken against the guilty officials,” he added.
Google expresses condolences to victims’ families
Google has expressed its condolences to the families of the victims.
A spokesperson stated: “We’re working closely with the authorities and providing our support to investigate the issue.”
However, the families are holding local officials responsible for the tragedy.
They are questioning why no barricades or warnings were installed at the unfinished bridge.
The victims’ families are also calling for a first information report (FIR) to be filed against the construction department for alleged negligence.
Also read: Man dies after falling from bridge in JB in alleged attempt to evade immigration checks
Man dies after falling from bridge in JB in alleged attempt to evade immigration checks
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Featured image adapted from X via Times Now and Alessio Merighi on Canva, for illustration purposes only.
