A woman in Navi Mumbai drove her car into a stream while following Google Maps, according to NDTV. The app, they reported, directed her under the Bay bridge in Belapur instead of onto it—leading her toward the Dhruvatara Jetty near Ulwe. She followed the route unknowingly—until her car plunged into a water-filled ditch. Fortunately, security personnel stationed nearby witnessed the incident and rushed to help her. The injured woman was rescued within minutes. A crane later recovered the vehicle from the creek. Footage from the scene shows the white car being lifted out of the ditch by officials.
Google Maps has faced criticism for several misdirection that have ended in tragedy or near-misses. In India’s Uttar Pradesh during 2024, three people died after their car, led by Google Maps, drove onto a broken bridge and fell into the Ramganga river. Experts warn that while digital navigation aids are helpful, they’re not infallible—especially in areas with poor infrastructure data, under-construction roads, or extreme weather. Users are urged to stay alert, cross-check routes when possible, and avoid depending entirely on GPS, especially during night travel or in unfamiliar terrain.