The unfortunate incident involving two young doctors in Kerala, Dr. Ajmal Asif, 28, and Dr. Adwaith, 27, who were employed at a private hospital in Thrissur district, has prompted the Kerala police to issue a warning regarding the use of Google Maps for navigation during the monsoon season.
Tragically, their car plunged into the Periyar River near Kochi, resulting in the loss of their lives. Despite warnings and challenging visibility due to heavy rain, they relied on Google Maps, which led them into the perilous waters. However, the other three passengers in the car were fortunate to be rescued by local residents.
This heartbreaking incident took place in the Gothuruth area of Kochi during the early hours of a Sunday.
According to a PTI report, Advaith was driving a Honda Civic with three other passengers on board. In the challenging conditions of darkness, heavy rain, and unfamiliar terrain, Advaith relied solely on the directions provided by Google Maps. Tragically, the situation took a devastating turn when the driver missed a crucial turn indicated by the navigation app and continued straight ahead.
Unfortunately, the path led them not to a road but directly into a waterlogged area, causing their vehicle to sink into the Periyar River in Kerela. The heavy rainfall at the time significantly reduced visibility, exacerbating the situation.
In a rapid response to the emergency, local residents immediately arrived at the scene and managed to rescue three passengers, but they were unable to save the two doctors.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, the state police issued a warning to the public against embarking on journeys through unfamiliar routes during the monsoon season. This season is known to carry a higher risk of accidents. While acknowledging the usefulness of Google Maps in modern-day navigation, the police highlighted its limitations. They cautioned that Google Maps might not provide real-time information on traffic diversions during calamities or other restrictions.
This tragic incident serves as a solemn reminder of the critical need to exercise caution when depending on technology for navigation, especially in unfamiliar and adverse weather conditions. It highlights the importance of prioritizing safety over convenience and staying vigilant when utilizing navigation applications like Google Maps.
(Input from Various Media Sources)
(Rehash/Shelja Chauhan)
