misdirected-by-google-maps-rajasthan-family-swept-to-death

A family’s homeward journey from Bhilwara turned tragic in Rajasthan’s Chittorgarh when their van, misdirected by Google Maps onto a closed bridge, was swept away by the raging Banas river on Tuesday night. Three people lost their lives while a child remains untraceable, police confirmed on Wednesday.

 

The group had been returning from a religious trip when the driver, relying on Google Maps for directions, steered the van towards the Somi-Upreda Bridge. The crossing, closed for several months, was rendered perilous after heavy rains had swollen the Banas.

 

Chittorgarh Superintendent of Police Manish Tripathi said, “All routes for crossing the river were closed due to the surge in the Banas River. However, the driver crossed one of the closed bridges, and the family made its way to the Somi-Upreda bridge, which had been closed for a few months.”

 

As the vehicle attempted to cross, it became stuck and was swiftly dragged by the strong current. The passengers smashed a window and clambered onto the roof, desperately waving mobile phone torches to attract rescuers. One of them managed to contact a relative, who alerted the police.

Also read: Bihar family follows Google Maps, ends up in forest

 

“Station-in-charge, Rashmi Devendra Singh, quickly arrived at the scene and arranged for a boat. It was difficult to reach the family in the dark, but the police and locals did a great job and managed to reach the car,” Tripathi added.

 

By the time help arrived, two women and two children had been swept away. Rescue teams managed to pull five survivors to safety. The bodies of Chanda (21), her daughter Rutvi (6), and Mamta (25) have since been recovered. Mamta’s daughter, Khushi (4), is still missing.

 

The accident has once again raised concerns over blind reliance on navigation apps in rural areas where road and bridge closures are often not updated in real time.

 

Tragedy was compounded in Rajasthan on the same day when six young men were washed away in Jalore district after their jeep was caught in the Sukdi river. Police said three bodies had been recovered, while the search for the others continued on Wednesday. Their vehicle and belongings were found abandoned on the riverbank by locals.