Google Maps at the origin of a tragic human drama. As reported by The Charlotte Observer in an article spotted by Courrier International, a 47-year-old American motorist lost his life at the end of September 2022 in North Carolina after taking a route suggested by the World Mapping Service where there was a destroyed bridge since 2013.
From his car, the father fell six meters before falling into a river, where he drowned. Usually, barricades were put in place to prevent motorists from using the bridge. But, according to local police, these barriers had just been removed after being vandalized.
A year after the events, the victim's widow filed a lawsuit against Google and its parent company Alphabet. In her complaint, she claims Google ignored riders' alerts about the destroyed bridge by failing to update its maps and investigate user reports to maintain "safe and navigable roads." In April 2023, Google Maps still indicated that the bridge was passable, our colleagues point out.
Another complaint was also filed against officials who were supposed to maintain the Snow Creek Bridge by replacing barriers and putting up proper warning signs and lighting. As of September 20, 2023, according to attorneys, no repairs had yet been made to the bridge.
“Our daughters ask how and why their daddy died and I can't find the words they can understand because, as an adult, I still can't understand how those responsible for GPS directions and bridge were able to act with such little respect for human life,” the victim’s widow said in a press release.
