A tragic incident in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, has claimed the lives of three people, with a child still missing, after a family van was swept away in the Banas River. The accident occurred on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, as the family was returning from a religious trip to Bhilwara. According to police reports, the driver was relying on Google Maps for navigation and was allegedly misdirected onto a closed bridge over the river.

The Somi-Upreda Bridge had been closed for several months due to the river's strong currents. Unaware of the closure, the driver followed Google Maps' instructions, leading the van onto the bridge. As the vehicle entered the bridge, it became stuck and was quickly swept away by the powerful current.

According to Chittorgarh Superintendent of Police Manish Tripathi, all routes for crossing the river were closed due to the surge in the Banas River. The family was able to break the van's window and climb onto the roof. One of the passengers contacted a relative who then alerted the police.

Responding swiftly, Station-in-charge Rashmi Devendra Singh arrived at the scene and arranged for a boat. Despite the darkness and challenging conditions, police and local residents worked together to reach the stranded family. Five people were rescued from the roof of the van. However, three members of the family died, and one child remains missing.

This incident raises serious concerns about the reliability of navigation apps, particularly in areas prone to closures or hazardous conditions. While Google Maps and similar services can be incredibly useful, they are not infallible and should not be solely relied upon for navigation. Users should always pay attention to their surroundings, heed warning signs, and verify the safety of a route before proceeding.

This is not the first time that Google Maps has been implicated in misrouting incidents. In November 2024, three people died after allegedly being misdirected by Google Maps to drive off an incomplete bridge. Similarly, in August 2025, four friends in Uttar Pradesh had a narrow escape when their car, guided by Google Maps, plunged into a pond.

These incidents highlight the need for navigation app developers to improve their mapping data and routing algorithms, particularly in areas where road conditions may change rapidly. It is crucial to have systems in place to ensure that users are not directed onto closed or dangerous routes. Additionally, there should be a mechanism for users to report errors or closures in real-time, helping to improve the accuracy of the maps for others.

In the wake of the Chittorgarh tragedy, authorities are likely to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and assess whether Google Maps can be held liable. Regardless of the legal outcome, this event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of exercising caution and common sense when using navigation apps. While technology can be a valuable tool, it should not replace human judgment and awareness.