Overreliance on Google Maps ended in tragedy on Monday morning when a sand-laden lorry plunged into a river in Pinrang, South Sulawesi, killing one worker while the driver and another helper survived.
The truck, driven by 18-year-old Dadi with two assistants, Anto, 18, and Farel, 17, was travelling from Malimpung to Sidrap when it took a shortcut recommended by Google Maps through Dusun Banga. The route turned out to be unsuitable, causing the vehicle to veer off course and plunge into the river.
“The error in Google Maps’ directions caused the truck to go off route and fall into the river,” said Pinrang Regional Disaster Management Agency head Rhommy Manule.
Rescue efforts involved teams from the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Pinrang Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and local residents.
During the operation, Farel was found trapped beneath a truck tyre and died at the scene. His body was later returned to his family home in Sidrap. The two surviving victims are receiving follow-up treatment, while the truck remains at the site awaiting full removal.
