Technology Turns Traitor! Navigation App Leads Car Into Swamp; Two Men Escape Burning Vehicle

New Delhi:
A routine drive nearly turned fatal for two men in Delhi after a navigation app directed them into a swampy patch, causing their car to get stuck and eventually catch fire. The incident highlights the dangers of over-reliance on technology, especially location-based apps, when travelling through unfamiliar routes.

Navigation Error Leads to Disaster
On Wednesday, Rajan Sahni, a resident of Old Rajinder Nagar, was travelling with his brother to meet their friend Govind near Pihani Chungi. After entering the address into the navigation app, the duo followed the suggested route without suspecting any error. The app, however, misdirected them onto a muddy, swamp-like stretch.

As soon as the car entered the marshy area, the wheels sank deeper with every attempt to move. The engine overheated, smoke began to rise, and within moments the vehicle caught fire. Rajan was trapped inside while his brother managed to escape. With timely help from Govind, who rushed to the spot, Rajan was pulled out just seconds before the flames engulfed the car.

Rajan later said, “I trusted the navigation app completely. It showed me the wrong route, and that’s how we ended up in the swamp.”

A Warning About Blind Trust in Technology
The near-tragic incident serves as a strong reminder that depending solely on digital navigation can be risky. Even the most commonly used apps can provide inaccurate routes, especially in poorly mapped or low-traffic areas. Authorities and experts advise travellers to stay alert, verify unfamiliar routes, and use their own judgment instead of blindly trusting on-screen directions.