New Delhi: In a heart-wrenching incident that underscores the potential perils of overreliance on navigation apps, two 29-year-old doctors from Kerala, India, lost their lives after their vehicle tragically plunged into the Periyar River. The fatal mishap occurred in the early hours of a Sunday in the Gothuruth area of Kochi.
The ill-fated journey began with Advaith, one of the doctors, at the wheel of a Honda Civic, accompanied by three passengers. In a situation exacerbated by darkness, heavy rainfall, and unfamiliar terrain, Advaith placed full trust in the guidance of Google Maps, leading to disastrous consequences.
While Google Maps undoubtedly serves as an invaluable navigational tool in various scenarios, this tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of blind adherence to its directions.
The incident unfolded as the car followed the route suggested by Google Maps, eventually leading them into the treacherous waters of the Periyar River. This unfortunate occurrence underscores the need for vigilance and prudent decision-making, especially when faced with challenging weather conditions and unfamiliar routes.
Regrettably, this event is not isolated, as similar incidents have occurred elsewhere, including a previous case in the United States. Such occurrences emphasize the importance of exercising caution and critical judgment while relying on navigation applications.
In a fortunate turn of events, three other passengers in the car were rescued by local residents and subsequently transported to a nearby hospital, where they are reported to be in stable condition.
