A tragic accident has shaken the town of Chittorgarh in Rajasthan, India, after a family of nine was swept into a river when their car plunged off an abandoned bridge — reportedly after being guided there by Google Maps.
The incident occurred early Wednesday when the family, traveling together in a car, followed navigation directions that led them onto a bridge which had been closed for over three years. The structure, no longer maintained and considered unsafe, gave way to the rushing waters below.
Authorities confirmed that three women lost their lives in the accident, including a mother and her daughter. Rescue teams managed to save five passengers, but a 6-year-old girl remains missing, sparking an urgent search effort by local divers and police officials.
Witnesses described the horrifying scene as the car was engulfed by the river’s strong currents within minutes. Villagers nearby rushed to help but were unable to pull everyone to safety in time.
The tragedy has reignited debate in India about the dangers of relying solely on digital navigation apps in rural and underdeveloped regions. Local officials noted that the abandoned bridge had no clear warning signs or barricades, which may have contributed to the accident.
Google has not yet issued an official statement regarding this specific incident. In previous similar cases, the company has expressed condolences and stated it cooperates with authorities to improve map accuracy.
For now, the grieving family and community wait desperately as search operations continue for the missing child — a reminder of how quickly technology-led conveniences can turn into devastating consequences.