India News : A major tragedy struck late Tuesday night in Rajasthan’s Chittorgarh district when a van, guided by Google Maps, attempted to cross a closed culvert over the Banas River and was swept away by strong currents. Nine family members were on board; five were rescued while four, including two children, remain missing.
According to police, the family from Kanakheda village in Bhupalsagar had gone to Sawai Bhoj temple in Bhilwara for a religious visit. On their return journey, they relied on Google Maps for directions. The app led them to the Somi-Upereda culvert, which had been closed for over three years due to flooding risks. Water was flowing over it at the time, but the driver still attempted to cross. The van got stuck in a pothole and was swept away by the strong current.
Local villagers rushed to help after hearing cries for assistance and managed to rescue five people with the help of a boat. Police and administrative officials, including the SDM of Rashmi and other senior officers, reached the spot quickly. Civil Defense teams also arrived around 3:15 AM, but darkness delayed the full-scale search operation.
The rescued family members were identified as Madanlal (25), Hitesh (16), Leela (18), Kavyaansh (9 months), and Aayansh (9 months). The missing include Chanda (21), Mamta (25), Khushi (4), and Rutvi (6). All victims belong to the Gadari community and were related to each other.
Officials revealed that the family had earlier tried another route, but found it blocked by a JCB. Google Maps then redirected them to the closed culvert. Villagers said that the administration had issued alerts after water was released from the Matrikundiya Dam, and barriers were placed to block risky passages. However, being visitors, the family was unaware of the closure.
Police stated that relatives had advised the family to halt their journey and stay overnight due to late hours, but they insisted on returning home citing religious reasons.
