A devastating accident claimed the lives of three men in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district when their car plunged off an unfinished flyover into the Ramganga River. The incident, which occurred late Saturday night, has raised serious concerns about infrastructure safety and the reliability of digital navigation tools.
Guided by Google Maps
The victims—Vivek, Amit, and a third unidentified man—were traveling from Gurugram to Bareilly to attend a wedding. Relying on Google Maps for navigation, the car was directed onto an under-construction flyover. Unaware of the incomplete structure, the vehicle continued onto the flyover before falling 50 feet into the shallow waters of the Ramganga River.
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Locals discovered the wreckage and the bodies early Sunday morning and immediately informed the police. According to officials, the heavily damaged car, likely a hired taxi, was found submerged in the river.
Questions of Accountability: Negligence by Authorities?
The tragedy has ignited widespread outrage among the victims’ families and the local community. Relatives of the deceased have pointed fingers at authorities for failing to ensure safety measures at the incomplete flyover.
“The officials must be held accountable for this negligence. Why was the flyover left unfinished without proper barricades to warn motorists?” a relative demanded.
The absence of clear signage or barriers at the site has been cited as a critical factor in the accident. Families are now urging authorities to file a First Information Report (FIR) against the construction department, holding them responsible for the preventable deaths.
Police Response and Investigation
Police confirmed the identities of two victims as Vivek and Amit, while efforts are ongoing to identify the third individual. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examinations as part of the ongoing investigation.
A police officer provided preliminary details, stating, “At 9:30 AM today, a damaged car was found in the Ramganga River. The vehicle drove onto the incomplete flyover and fell into the river.”
Authorities are now under pressure to determine why the flyover remained accessible and to hold those accountable for the lack of safeguards.
Google Maps in the Spotlight
The tragedy has also drawn attention to the potential risks of relying solely on navigation apps. A spokesperson for Google expressed condolences, saying, “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 has revolutionized travel for millions, the incident underscores the importance of exercising caution when using digital navigation tools, especially in rural or underdeveloped areas.
Concerns About Infrastructure and Safety
This accident highlights systemic issues in infrastructure development and maintenance. Inadequate planning, incomplete projects, and insufficient safety measures are persistent problems in many parts of India.
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Experts warn that while digital tools like Google Maps can assist drivers, they cannot compensate for poor infrastructure or a lack of basic safety protocols. Local authorities have yet to issue an official statement addressing the incident or explaining the absence of safety barriers.