India probes Google Maps after three deaths

Google said Tuesday (Nov 26) it was assisting Indian authorities probing the deaths of three men who reportedly drove off an incomplete bridge while following a route on Google Maps.


The group was on their way to a wedding in northern India's Uttar Pradesh state when their car plunged into the Ramganga river from the unfinished bridge early Sunday.

The driver followed Google Maps into taking the route, the Hindustan Times newspaper said Tuesday, quoting police officials.


Police questioned an unnamed official from the navigation app, as well as others from the government public works department, the Press Trust of India news agency also reported.


"Our deepest sympathies go out to the families. We're working closely with the authorities and providing our support to investigate the issue," a Google spokesperson told AFP in an emailed statement.


A local police officer said that a portion of the bridge had been damaged during a flood last year.


The accident comes a year after two doctors were killed in the southern state of Kerala when their car plunged into the state's Periyar river after they followed the app.

India probes Google Maps after three deaths - CNA

Need barriers and warning signs in such places

Yeah. Strange they would point out Google. The local public works department and police are responsible if there were no signs or barriers.

Wouldn't the lack of traffic coming from the opposite direction have told them something?

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Originally Posted by misskit

Yeah. Strange they would point out Google. The local public works department and police are responsible if there were no signs or barriers.

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Not really strange they'd try to blame someone else though, is it?

:)

It's not like it was obviously not finished or anything...

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