In a heart-wrenching incident in Uttar Pradesh, three men lost their lives when their car plunged off an under-construction bridge while following directions on Google Maps. The accident, which took place early Sunday on the Bareilly-Budaun border, has prompted police to register a case against four engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD) and an unnamed official from Google Maps.
The Fatal Journey: How It Unfolded
The victims, identified as Nitin and Ajit (both 30 years old and brothers from Farrukhabad district) and Amit (40, from Mainpuri district), were traveling from Noida to Faridpur in Bareilly to attend a wedding. Tragically, their vehicle veered onto a partially constructed bridge over the Ramganga River in the Dataganj area, leading to the fatal plunge.
Local authorities revealed that the incomplete bridge lacked safety barriers and warning signs, contributing to the accident. According to police reports, the driver relied on Google Maps, which led the car onto the unsafe route.
Investigations and Charges
An FIR has been filed under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act against four PWD engineers, including two assistant engineers and two junior engineers, for alleged negligence in maintaining the bridge.
Additionally, a regional officer from Google Maps has come under scrutiny, though their name has not yet been formally included in the FIR. Dataganj SHO Gaurav Bishnoi stated that the case includes charges of dereliction of duty and other related offenses.
Faridpur Circle Officer Ashutosh Shivam pointed out that the front portion of the bridge had collapsed during floods earlier in the year, but the change was not reflected in navigation systems. This omission, combined with the absence of physical safety measures on-site, proved fatal for the travelers.
Authorities Respond: Corrective Measures and Condolences
Following the incident, Budaun District Magistrate Nidhi Srivastava announced immediate corrective measures to prevent similar accidents. Authorities have been directed to inspect all roads, bridges, flyovers, and underpasses across the district.
In a statement, Srivastava emphasized that ensuring proper safety measures and accurate navigation data is a critical priority. The district administration has also vowed to address lapses in maintenance and infrastructure oversight.
A spokesperson for Google offered condolences to the families of the victims and assured cooperation with the ongoing investigation. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the families. We are working closely with authorities and providing our support to investigate the issue,” the spokesperson said.
Safety Concerns and Broader Implications
The tragedy has shed light on the critical gaps in infrastructure safety and digital navigation reliability. Experts highlight the dual responsibility of infrastructure providers and digital platforms to ensure the safety of commuters.
The incident also underscores the growing dependence on navigation apps like Google Maps, which, while convenient, can lead to hazardous outcomes if not paired with reliable physical safety measures and real-time updates.