In a heartbreaking incident that occurred in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, three lives were tragically lost when a car following Google Maps directions plunged off an unfinished flyover into the Ramganga River. The accident, which has sparked outrage and raised questions about infrastructure safety, occurred on the night of Saturday, November 25.

Key Points:

Fatal Incident: Three men died after their car fell off an under-construction flyover in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh.

GPS Directions: The victims were following Google Maps’ directions, unaware the flyover was incomplete.

Victims Identified: The deceased were identified as Vivek, Amit, and a third individual, still to be confirmed.

Lack of Safety Measures: Families of the victims criticized local authorities for not installing proper barricades or warning signs at the unfinished bridge.

Google’s Response: Google expressed condolences and is working with local authorities to investigate the incident.

Investigation Underway: Police confirmed the car was a hired taxi and investigations are ongoing.

Incident Details: A Journey That Ended in Tragedy

On the night of the accident, three men were traveling from Gurugram to Bareilly to attend a wedding. As they followed Google Maps for directions, they were led to a flyover that was still under construction. The flyover, which lacked proper barricades or warning signs, was incomplete, and the car continued onto it, falling 50 feet into the shallow Ramganga River.

The car was discovered by locals the following morning, and police were notified. Tragically, all three passengers—Vivek, Amit, and an unidentified third man—were found dead at the scene.

Families Seek Justice

The families of the victims are demanding justice, calling the incident an act of negligence by local authorities. They are questioning why there were no safety measures such as barricades or warning signs to alert motorists about the incomplete flyover. One family member said, “Why was the bridge left incomplete without proper barricades to warn motorists? This is negligence.”

The families are calling for an investigation and an FIR against the construction department, seeking accountability for the unsafe infrastructure.

Google’s Response to the Tragedy

In the wake of the tragedy, Google expressed its condolences to the families. A spokesperson for the company said, “Our deepest sympathies go out to the families. We’re working closely with the authorities and providing our support to investigate the issue.” While Google Maps is widely known for its accurate navigation, the incident has raised concerns about the potential risks of following GPS directions without considering the condition of local infrastructure.

The Role of Navigation Apps and Infrastructure Safety

While navigation apps like Google Maps are generally reliable, the incident highlights the dangers of relying solely on them, especially when traveling in unfamiliar or rural areas. Experts suggest that users should exercise caution when navigating through areas with incomplete or poorly marked infrastructure.

Additionally, the lack of safety measures on unfinished bridges or roads is a pressing issue. In this case, the absence of visible warnings or barricades at the flyover points to a significant gap in infrastructure management that needs to be addressed.

Police Investigation and Next Steps

The police have confirmed that the vehicle involved was a hired taxi. They are currently investigating to determine the exact cause of the accident and confirm the identity of the third victim. The bodies have been sent for a post-mortem examination, and the investigation is expected to provide further insights into the events that led to this tragic loss of life.

Conclusion: A Call for Better Infrastructure and Safety Measures

This incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of proper infrastructure safety. While navigation apps like Google Maps are a crucial tool for drivers, they cannot account for incomplete or poorly maintained infrastructure. The need for clear signage, barricades, and safety measures at under-construction flyovers and bridges is critical to prevent accidents like this in the future. Local authorities must take responsibility for ensuring that such safety standards are in place to protect road users and prevent further tragedies.

As the investigation continues, there is a growing call for stricter oversight of construction projects and better safety practices to ensure that no more lives are lost due to preventable infrastructure failures.