A sat nav sent three people over the edge of a bridge in their car, resulting in them being tragically killed.
The victims, Kaushal Kumai, Vivek Kumar, and Amit Kumar, were security guards traveling back to Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, from Gurugram, near New Delhi, India, following a wedding.
The accident occurred on a bridge spanning the Ramganga River, connecting Faridpur and Datagani.
Their bodies, still inside the wrecked vehicle, were discovered by authorities the following morning at approximately 9:30 a.m., according to reports from Mail Online.
The bridge, which had been damaged in 2022 due to severe flooding, remained in a hazardous and unfinished state at the time of the accident.
Investigators revealed that the men had relied on Google Maps for navigation, which led them onto the bridge despite its condition.
Lacking any visible signage or barriers to warn drivers, the bridge appeared open and safe for use.
Unaware of the danger, the men proceeded at speed, ultimately plunging off the edge.
Local authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, summoning four engineers and an unidentified Google Maps engineer for questioning.
The Times of India reported this development as part of efforts to determine accountability for the fatal oversight.
The victims’ bodies were transported by boat to Faridpur for a formal post-mortem examination.
The tragic accident has sparked public outrage, particularly among the victims’ families and residents of the region.
They have condemned local officials for neglecting to secure the bridge and ensure proper warning signs were in place.
“The officials must be held accountable for this negligence. Why was the bridge left incomplete, and why were there no safety measures in place?” a relative of one of the victims stated to The Hindustan Times.
They also demanded a comprehensive investigation to prevent similar incidents.
A spokesperson for Google extended sympathies to the victims’ families and assured the public that the company is cooperating with authorities to support the investigation.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the families,” the statement read.
The bridge, visibly damaged and unusable, had suffered significant structural harm after heavy flooding two years earlier.
Despite its precarious condition, no effective measures had been taken to block access or alert travelers of the risks, leaving the structure vulnerable to such tragedies.
As investigations continue, there is mounting pressure on local officials and technology providers to ensure greater accountability and safety measures in the future.
