Tue Nov 26 01:37:45 UTC 2024: **Google Maps Navigation Blamed in Fatal Bridge Collapse**
Budaun, Uttar Pradesh, India – November 26, 2024 – Three men died after their car plunged into the Ramganga River when it drove onto a partially collapsed bridge in Budaun, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday. Police have filed a culpable homicide case against four Public Works Department (PWD) engineers and are investigating a Google Maps official, alleging the navigation app misdirected the car onto the unsafe route.
Nitin and Ajit (both 30) from Farrukhabad, and Amit (40) from Mainpuri, were traveling from Noida to Bareilly for a wedding when the accident occurred on the Bareilly-Budaun border. The partially destroyed bridge, damaged earlier this year by floods, lacked safety barriers and warning signs. These inadequacies, combined with the allegedly inaccurate Google Maps directions, led to the tragedy.
The Budaun District Magistrate, Nidhi Srivastava, stated that corrective measures are being implemented at the site, and that all roads, bridges, and flyovers will be inspected to prevent similar incidents. A Google spokesperson expressed sympathy to the victims’ families and confirmed cooperation with authorities in the investigation. The investigation highlights concerns about the accuracy of navigation apps and the responsibility of authorities to maintain safe infrastructure.
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