Three killed in India when car driven off incomplete bridge guided by Google Maps
Three people died in Uttar Pradesh, India when their car fell into a river after following a Google Maps route onto an incomplete bridge that had partially collapsed. Police believe Google Maps directed them to take the route, and authorities have charged four local transport engineers and unnamed Google Maps officials with intentional homicide.
What happened
Three people died on 24 November 2024 in Uttar Pradesh, India when their car fell into a river after taking a route guided by Google Maps. The vehicle turned onto a bridge that had not been completed; the bridge had partially collapsed earlier in the year due to flooding.
Police investigating the incident believe Google Maps directed the three victims, who were travelling from outside the area to attend a wedding, to take the route. There were no barriers or warning signs indicating the bridge was still under construction.
Reported impact
The fatal accident has raised questions about the liability of navigation applications like Google Maps when users follow routes that lead to accidents.
Index analysis
The incident highlights the problem of inaccurate information in Google Maps, as the application did not reflect the status of the incomplete bridge. Some commentators blamed the application for not providing accurate information, while others pointed to government failure to close the site.
Governance controls
Authorities have charged four engineers from the local transport department and unnamed Google Maps officials with intentional homicide in connection with the deaths. Google stated it was cooperating with the investigation.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.