A group of tourists from Hyderabad narrowly escaped a dangerous situation when their car fell into a canal in Kottayam. The tourists, who were following Google Maps’ instructions, were on their way to Alappuzha when their SUV plunged into the canal. Fortunately, the passengers managed to escape without any injuries, with the help of local residents, firefighters, and police.
The driver of the vehicle confessed that he mistook the canal for a flooded road due to heavy rain and was traveling at a slow speed. The passengers recounted how the vehicle started sinking, leading them to break the windows and escape. Despite losing some items, the passengers were safe and the vehicle was eventually removed from the canal with the assistance of police and local workers.
Local residents highlighted that the area has been prone to accidents for 15 years, with insufficient warning signs to alert drivers of the potential dangers. They mentioned a past incident involving actor Rajan P Dev’s vehicle, emphasizing the need for more prominent warning signs to prevent similar accidents in the future.
This incident is not the first of its kind in Kerala, as last year, two young doctors tragically lost their lives in a similar accident caused by following Google Maps directions during the monsoon season. In response, Kerala Police issued precautionary guidelines to promote safe technology use during adverse weather conditions.
Overall, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of caution and situational awareness when relying on navigation apps, especially in unfamiliar or hazardous situations. Collaboration between authorities, local communities, and technology users is crucial to prevent such accidents and ensure the safety of all road users.
Article Source
https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2024/05/25/google-map-leads-tourists-to-wrong-route-car-plunges-into-canal-in-kottayam.html
