Three men killed after Google Maps directs car onto collapsed bridge in Uttar Pradesh, India

Summary

On November 24, 2024, three men — identified as Ajay Kumar, Nitin Kumar, and Amit Kumar — died when their car, following Google Maps navigation, drove off a damaged bridge over the Ramganga River in Bareilly district, Uttar Pradesh. The bridge had partially collapsed during flooding earlier in 2024, but Google Maps had not updated its data to reflect the closure. There were no safety barriers or warning signs on the approach. The car fell approximately 15 metres onto the dry riverbed; locals discovered the vehicle the following morning. Four engineers from the Public Works Department were arrested for failing to erect proper signage. Police named Google Maps officials in an FIR, raising questions about liability for AI navigation systems that rely on outdated infrastructure data.