Google Maps. Image Credit: Angela Lang/CNET
A 23-year-old man got lost on the slopes of a mountain in Utah, United States, after following a shortcut route recommended by Google Maps. He ended up stuck in his car for 3 hours.
The Incident
The man, whose name was not disclosed, was driving a Toyota Turcell from Springville to Vernal. He used the Google Maps app, which suggested taking the route through Strawberry Peak, a steep, damaged, and muddy road.
As the terrain was too challenging, the car couldn't make it through, and he found himself stranded in the pitch-dark forest. Wasatch County Search and Rescue team mentioned that he was trapped since 12:40 a.m.
Rescue Efforts
After calling 911 for emergency assistance, the search and rescue team responded and finally reached the scene. However, it took a total of three hours for the rescue team to evacuate the driver and bring him down the mountain to safety. Fortunately, the man did not sustain serious injuries.
Previous Incidents
This incident is not the first time Google Maps has led users astray. In 2022, a father of two named Philip Paxson was driving a Jeep at night during a storm. He followed Google Maps directions to go to a river, but unfortunately, the information provided by Google was not accurate and up to date.
He was directed to cross a bridge that had actually collapsed almost 10 years prior. The car plunged 20 meters from the edge into the water below, and the 47-year-old man tragically drowned. His wife then sued Google for their negligence in September 2023.
