Three men in Uttar Pradesh died when their taxi plunged off an incomplete bridge in Bareilly, misled by Google Maps. Learn about the tragedy, its causes, and the need for road safety measures.
Google Maps Misleads, Causes Fatal Accident in Bareilly, UP
In a tragic accident, three men lost their lives when their taxi fell off an incomplete bridge over the Ramganga River in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, on the night of November 23. Misguided by Google Maps, the victims unknowingly drove onto a bridge under construction, resulting in the vehicle plunging 25 feet into a riverbed. The lack of barricades and warning signs on the bridge exacerbated the situation.
Accident Details
The victims—Nitin Kumar (30), Ajit Kumar (35), and Amit Kumar (30)—were traveling from Gurugram to Faridpur, Bareilly, to attend a wedding. They opted for a shortcut through Dataganj in Budaun and Khallpur, as suggested by Google Maps, unaware of the incomplete bridge on the route.
Late at night, the taxi driver, unable to spot the end of the incomplete bridge, failed to brake in time. The car plunged into the riverbed below, leaving the victims without immediate assistance.
Villagers Discover the Tragedy
The accident came to light on Sunday morning when villagers from Khallpur noticed the vehicle submerged below the incomplete bridge. Local residents promptly informed authorities. Police teams from Faridpur and Dataganj, led by Circle Officer Ashutosh Shivam, reached the site and retrieved the bodies using boats.
Faridpur SHO Rahul Singh stated that the victims were using Google Maps when the accident occurred. Identity documents recovered from the car revealed their connection to a Gurugram-based security firm.
Bridge Safety Concerns
The incomplete bridge over the Ramganga River has been in a hazardous state for months, with part of it washed away during previous floods. Despite this, the approach road remained accessible from the Budaun side, misleading drivers into thinking the bridge was operational.
Relatives of the victims expressed anger and grief over the lack of safety measures. Nitin’s brother-in-law, Pramod Kumar, criticized the authorities, stating, “The road should have been blocked, and Google Maps should not have shown the route as operational.”
Faridpur SDM Gulab Singh confirmed that the bridge was under construction by the UP State Bridge Corporation Ltd. He assured an investigation into negligence and promised action against officials found responsible.
Victims’ Background
The deceased were family members traveling to attend a wedding in Faridpur. Nitin and Ajit were residents of Farrukhabad and worked as drivers for a security company in Gurugram. Amit Kumar, their distant relative, hailed from Mainpuri.
The victims had attended a family event in Budaun earlier on Saturday night, leading them to take the Budaun-Faridpur route instead of the regular Moradabad-Bareilly route.
The Role of Google Maps
This accident highlights the risks of over-reliance on navigation apps like Google Maps, especially in areas with incomplete or unverified infrastructure. The app suggested the shortcut without accounting for the bridge’s incomplete status, leading to a fatal error.
Safety Recommendations
- Better Infrastructure Management: Authorities must ensure proper barricades, warning signs, and road closures for incomplete bridges and roads.
- Real-Time Map Updates: Navigation services like Google Maps should collaborate with local governments to update routes based on infrastructure conditions.
- Public Awareness: Drivers must exercise caution when relying on maps in rural or unfamiliar areas.
Investigation and Accountability
Authorities have launched an investigation to identify lapses in road safety and signage. Strict action is promised against negligent officials. This tragic accident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of comprehensive safety measures and accurate navigation tools.
