Google Maps Land Hyderabad Tourists in Stream : You won’t believe the harrowing tale of a group of Hyderabad tourists who trusted Google Maps and ended up driving their SUV into a swollen stream in Kerala in the dead of night. The dramatic 3 AM rescue involved quick thinking, villagers, and a submerged vehicle pulled out with a crane. This shocking incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by blindly following technology’s directions, especially during the unpredictable monsoon season.
Key Takeaways:
- Tourists drove into a stream: A tourist group from Hyderabad drove into a stream swollen with water near Kuruppanthara in Kerala while using Google maps for navigation.
- Rescue at 3 am: The incident occurred around 3 am on Saturday, with the tourists being rescued by villagers and the police after their vehicle submerged in water.
- Google maps navigation gone wrong: Due to heavy rains and unfamiliarity with the area, the group inadvertently drove into the water body while following Google maps directions.
- Cautionary guidelines issued: Following previous incidents, the Kerala police had issued cautionary guidelines for using Google maps during the monsoon season to prevent such accidents.
- Vehicle submerged: The tourists’ Ford Endeavour SUV was completely submerged under the water and had to be pulled out using a crane.
- Quick response from villagers and police: The tourists were rescued with the help of villagers and the police after alerting the police control room and seeking assistance.
- Similar incidents in Kerala: This is not the first Google map-related accident reported in Kerala, with a previous incident leading to the deaths of two young doctors who followed incorrect directions and fell into a river.
The Incident
Tourists’ Fateful Decision
With the heavy rains lashing down and confusion over the road ahead, the group of tourists from Hyderabad found themselves at a crossroads. Seeking assistance from Google Maps seemed like the logical choice in their predicament. Little did they know that this decision would lead them into a perilous situation, driving straight into a stream swollen with water near Kuruppanthara in Kerala.
Driving into the Stream
Tourists recounted the harrowing experience of how the road ahead became submerged in water due to the heavy rains, causing their vehicle to lose control and drift into the stream. The powerful current threatened to sweep them away, but quick thinking and decisive action helped them escape the sinking SUV just in time.
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Decision
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of blindly following technology without considering the ground reality, especially during extreme weather conditions. The group’s narrow escape highlights the importance of caution and local knowledge when relying on navigation apps like Google Maps, especially in unfamiliar territories.
The Rescue
Villagers’ Quick Response
Rescue operations began swiftly as the group of Hyderabad-based tourists found themselves in a dire situation after driving into the swollen stream in Kerala. Thanks to the quick response of the local villagers, who promptly alerted the police control room and rushed to the scene, all four tourists were rescued from the dangerous waters.
The tourists’ vehicle was completely submerged under the water, and it took the combined efforts of the villagers and the police to ensure everyone’s safety. The brave actions of the villagers in responding to the emergency call played a vital role in preventing a potential tragedy in the early hours of the morning.
The group was able to safely reach the shore, thanks to the timely intervention and assistance provided by the villagers, who showed remarkable courage and dedication in the face of adversity. Their unwavering commitment to helping others in need truly made a difference in this challenging situation.
Police Intervention
To further aid in the rescue effort, the Kaduthuruthy police station deployed a patrolling unit to the scene after receiving the alert. With the help of the police and the villagers, the tourists were successfully rescued from the perilous waters. The SUV, which had been submerged in the stream, was later retrieved using a crane.
The timely intervention of the police was crucial in ensuring the safe rescue of the stranded tourists, as they coordinated with the villagers and worked together to overcome the challenges posed by the difficult situation. Their efficient response and diligent efforts were instrumental in preventing any casualties and ensuring the well-being of the tourists.
It is necessary to highlight the collaborative efforts of both the villagers and the police in swiftly coming to the aid of the tourists in distress. Their dedication and quick response were pivotal in averting a potential tragedy and ensuring the safe rescue of all four individuals involved in the incident.
The Aftermath
After the shocking incident of the Hyderabad-based tourists driving into a stream in Kerala while using Google maps, the aftermath was equally dramatic. The tourists were safely rescued with the help of villagers and the police. However, their vehicle, a Ford Endeavour SUV, was completely submerged under water. The recovery of the vehicle proved to be a challenging task.
Vehicle Recovery
Any attempt to recover the SUV from the stream needed careful planning and execution. The vehicle was eventually pulled out of the water using a crane later in the day. The sight of the SUV being lifted out of the stream was a stark reminder of the dangers of relying solely on technology for navigation.
Previous Similar Incidents
Incidents of tourists falling into trouble while using Google maps in Kerala are not unheard of. In fact, just last year, two young doctors lost their lives after following Google Maps directions and falling into a river. These incidents serve as a cautionary tale for travelers relying on technology to guide them through unfamiliar terrain.
With incidents like these becoming more frequent, it is crucial for authorities and technology companies to work together in ensuring the safety of travelers. Proper awareness campaigns and guidelines for using navigation apps during challenging weather conditions could help prevent such tragic accidents in the future.
Final Words
Considering all points, it is evident that relying solely on technology like Google Maps can sometimes lead to dangerous situations, as seen in the case of the Hyderabad-based tourists who drove into a swollen stream in Kerala. While technology can be a helpful tool for navigation, it is crucial for users to exercise caution and use their own judgment when faced with unfamiliar or challenging road conditions. This harrowing experience serves as a timely reminder of the importance of being vigilant and aware of one’s surroundings, especially when traveling in unfamiliar areas.
The quick response and assistance provided by the local villagers, police, and emergency services in rescuing the stranded tourists are commendable. This incident highlights the significance of community support and cooperation in times of crisis. It also underscores the unpredictable nature of weather conditions, especially during the monsoon season, and the need for travelers to be prepared for unexpected challenges while on the road.
As technology continues to play a significant role in our lives, it is vital for users to use it responsibly and supplement it with common sense and situational awareness. While Google Maps can be a valuable tool for navigation, it is not infallible, and users should always exercise caution, especially in unfamiliar or adverse conditions. By learning from this incident and taking precautions, travelers can ensure their safety and avoid similar mishaps in the future.
FAQ
Q: What happened to the tourists from Hyderabad in Kerala?
A: The tourists from Hyderabad ended up driving into a swollen stream near Kuruppanthara in Kerala while using Google maps for navigation.
Q: Who were the members of the tourist group involved in the incident?
A: The four members of the tourist group were Koushik, Yashwanth, Madhan, and Abhi, all residents of Miyapur.
Q: What was the vehicle driven by the tourists?
A: Yashwanth was driving a Ford Endeavour SUV when the incident occurred at around 3 am.
Q: How did the tourists end up in the stream?
A: Due to heavy rains and water overflowing from the stream, the road the group was traveling on was covered by water. They drove into the water body while navigating using Google maps as they were unfamiliar with the area.
Q: How were the tourists rescued?
A: The tourists were rescued with the help of villagers who responded quickly after alerting the police control room. A nearby police patrolling unit also rushed to the spot and assisted in rescuing the tourists.
Q: What happened to the tourists’ vehicle?
A: The tourists’ SUV was completely submerged under the water. It was later pulled out of the stream using a crane.
Q: Are such incidents common in the area?
A: Residents mentioned that accidents like these happen during the rainy season when the road gets submerged. This was not the first Google map-related accident reported in Kerala.
